A fundraising page has been set up after a fire destroyed a home and business, and took the owner's children's Christmas presents with it.

The blaze broke out in Love Lane, Headcorn last Tuesday night.

It destroyed the home, workshop, and office of Phil Tassell.

He said: "Some electrical wiring must have shorted out and caught the truck's oil cooler alight. I ran to get a bucket of water but by the time I got back the fuel tank on the truck was on fire.

"The two lads were trying to get the fire extinguishers on it but it was having no impact on the force of the fire.

"I threw the bucket of water, which is the worst thing I could have done. I shouted to the lads to get out and rang 999 as I ran round to my house.

"I kicked the front door in, I didn't even bother with the handle, and shouted 'get out, the house is on fire'."

Unfortunately everything was destroyed, including Mr Tassell's photos, and his children's Christmas presents.

"All the kids' Christmas presents are gone, the Christmas tree is gone, my computer, cheque books, credit cards, cash. My office went up so my business is gone.

"I've now got no photos of my kids as babies. There were family heirlooms in there, furniture my grandmother had made that I inherited 15 years ago when she died.

"God only knows how much money everything was worth. It was more about the personal things, you can't really quantify it."

Mr Tassell has three children, who live with their mother, but his partner and her two daughters and son-in-law were at the house when the blaze broke out.

Now, a JustGiving page has been set up to help the family through this difficult time.

The page, set up by Lucy and Ashley Taylor from Singleton in Ashford, is aiming to raise £5,000.

The couple has no connection to the Tassell family, but felt terrible for them having read the KentOnline coverage.

"We have three children of our own and we felt so bad for those kids at Christmas. Even if people just give a pound it will help them," she explained.

Since being set up a week ago, supporters have already pledged £580 to help the Tassell family.

Sarah Millen, Mr Tassell's partner, was shocked to hear that strangers had set up such a kind project.

Mrs Taylor said: "I spoke to Sarah and she was so grateful and thankful that we had thought of them.

"The page is active for 60 days so I hope people give whatever they can in that time."

To donate, go to the JustGiving page.