by Alan Watkins

awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk

A young mum's home and possessions - including her 21st birthday presents - were destroyed in a fire caused by a lightning strike.

Rachel Rodgers had been enjoying the warm weather at the seaside with her son Alex when she returned to find the house in Fox Street, Gillingham, ablaze and black smoke pouring out of the window.

She stood outside as friends rescued a few of her belongings and said: "I have lost virtually everything."

Rachel, 21, added: "I was thinking about getting contents insurance but I didn't. When I told my brother he immediately got insurance."

Neighbours and complete strangers rallied to the assistance of the mum and her 23-month-old toddler.

They brought toys for Alex to play with as Rachel tried to assess the damage.

The upstairs rooms were destroyed by the intense heat.

The blaze wrecked a newly-decorated bedroom for Alex which had only been finished a month ago. His bed was reduced to a few springs.

Rachel's own room was gutted. She had lived in the rented Victorian terraced house for the past two years.

Neighbour Alison Nicholson was watching the storm when there was a bang.

"I opened the door to look and saw flames coming out of the house so I knocked for my neighbour and told her to get out."

Emergency services react

She was among many people - some in pyjamas - who sought shelter in The Countryman pub nearby.

At the height of the fire the four fire appliances were joined by six police cars and three ambulances.

Homes were evacuated but families returned home later after it was discovered the fire had been confined to Rachel's home and a neighbouring property that was only slightly damaged.

There were fears it might have spread along the terrace through the lofts.

The council's specialist homeless team was giving her advice and assistance today.

She was staying at a friend's house while she explored her options.

She said she wanted to thank the many people who had helped with toys and clothes for her son.

A little boy and girl came up to Rachel with a toy crocodile they called Oscar. It was for Alex.

"They have been coming up and giving me stuff, people I don't know."