A FAMILY of seven whose Shaw Drive home was destroyed in a fire two weeks ago has been rehomed, thanks in part to the generosity of the community.

After starting in a bedroom, believed to have been caused by a hairdryer, the fire on June 21 gutted the semi-detached property and left the occupants – two adults and five children – in temporary accommodation.

But speedy work by Great Places Housing Group saw the family put up in a new Longridge property by the following week, June 29, while a £500 donation from the Knutsford Lions helped to source six beds at short notice.

The donation from the Lions group, which fundraises at various community events and puts the money back into worthy Knutsford causes, allowed Great Places to purchase beds from a Winsford-based company specialising in refurbished furniture.

George Williams, soon to become vice president of the Lions, said: “We had a meeting on Wednesday night, and we sat down and discussed what we could possibly do.

“We decided to get in touch with Great Places and they said they were short of beds and bedding, and wanted to move the family out of temp accommodation and into a house they had ready for them.

“We agreed that we would write a cheque out for £500, and CLiC were able to put together a package of beds and deliver it. Our donation will cover that, and we are really chuffed for the family. It was fantastic news.”

Thanks to a quick response by Knutsford firefighters on the night of the blaze, the house in Shaw Drive has been salvaged and will be refurbished.

Simon Robinson, director of housing services for Great Places, said: “While we were saddened to hear the news, we’re delighted to see the community come together to help the family get back on their feet.

“We made sure the couple have somewhere to stay until their home is ready for them, provided hot meals, and will be purchasing beds and mattresses thanks to donations from the Knutsford Lions and help from CLiC.

“I am sure that the family will be back in their own home very soon and I hope that we can continue to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible until then.”

The family was pleased to have been rehomed close to Shaw Drive, a friend said, and had received dozens of essential donations through GoFundMe as well as collection points at Co-op in Parkgate Lane and the Cross Keys in King Street.