A FAMILY left homeless after their flat was destroyed in a fire have come forward to thank their local community in Grays for helping them get back on their feet.

Firefighters were called at about 5.15am on Sunday, September 14, after an electrical fault sparked a fire in the Londis shop in High Street and spread to the flat above.

The family of five, which includes Lina and Juozas Vaskeleviciene and their three sons, aged five, 13 and 17, escaped.

Mrs Vaskeleviciene, 35, said all of the family’s belongings were lost in the blaze but they have now been able to start again after being inundated with donations from local residents.

She said: “When we moved it was completely empty. We bought everything from our own money and we loved the flat. It was our home.

“We lost everything. It was horrible. I woke up because the smoke filled the flat. So we quickly got out of there.”

The family are now renting in Argent Street, Grays.

Family friend Monika Stupuraite, 31, of Argent Street, said: “We’ve had clothes, plates and money.

Everyone from the Lithuanian community, as well as teachers of Quarry Hill Primary School, have been especially helpful.

“Lina puts on a brave face. But they lost everything.”

Mrs Vaskeleviciene added: “We are overwhelmed and extremely thankful.”