A Stanford-Le-Hope woman has voiced her gratitude for her local community after they came to her aid following an unfinished building job.

Laura Chick, a 37-year-old mother of twins, lives in a small two-bedroom house with no dining area and had contacted a small independent business to complete her "dream extension."

After being given what she believed to be a "reasonable quotation", Mrs Chick accepted for work to begin in March this year.

However, Mrs Chick was gradually asked for more money and then eventually the builder stopped turning up - leaving her with an unfinished extension.

As a result, Mrs Chick was left with a conservatory without properly fitted windows and no money to continue work on it.

Mr Chick, who also owns a small business called Laura Chick's Wraps, said: "We have been left with an unfinished build.

"Windows are not sealed, so it is not airtight, and there is a high risk for leaks - we've already had one.

"Unfortunately things went wrong in May after full payment was made.

"This made me very poorly - I have acute anxiety & bipolar so stress is a recipe for disaster - and it strained my marriage as we have had a very stressful few months."

Following this, Mrs Chick attempted to contact the builders working on her extension but had no luck.

She then posted a message on Facebook calling for help from her local community and the response she received was "overwhelming."

Mrs Chick continued: "We have had some amazing support from friends & local businesses and complete strangers to help us get back on our feet.

"Windows have been offered and made secure by local fitter and business owner Alex England.

Help has been offered from local builder Ricky of RJE property services, it's been overwhelming.

Huge thank you to Claire of Claire's Arts & Crafts & Tatum of Krafty Kitti for loads of ideas and the motivation I needed to get back on track.

"We will have our dream home for Christmas - this community rocks."