A COMMUNITY rallied together to help a family get back on their feet after a house fire.

Sharon and John Young, along with their teenage sons, Josh and Daniel, were left temporarily homeless after disaster struck in the early hours of Tuesday February 2.

An electrical fault at their home in Arael View, Abertillery, sparked a blaze which Mrs Young, 46, Josh, 15, Daniel, 18, escaped from with just minutes to spare.

Lorry driver Mr Young, who had been working away in the Gloucester area, met them at hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation.

Fortunately they were able to avoid serious injury, but their house was left badly damaged.

Since then though, the family has been inundated with offers of help and support.

Tai Calon Housing Association have provided a flat for them to rent temporarily, and neighbouring residents and businesses are digging deep to help them start again.

Neighbour Neil Milkins, who helped the family on the night of the fire by aiding Daniel to rescue their pets from the house and douse the flames with a hosepipe, was among the first to offer assistance.

The retired author, 63, said: "The local community and people further afield have responded incredibly to the plight of the family of four who lost most of their possessions in the horrific fire.

"People have donated cash, clothing and other household items to help furnish a flat the family have been kindly loaned by Tai Calon Housing Association.

"Tesco store in Abertillery donated a £100 food shop which was personally delivered to the family by the store manageress Nicola Levi and her assistant Dawn Blackwell.

"It is amazing that despite living in a time of austerity, people have been so self-sacrificing."

Anyone in the Abertillery area wishing to contribute to the cause can donate in the Commercial Hotel, Abertillery.

After the fire, Mr Young told the Argus: "The relief I feel is unbelievable. I am so glad they were all right, and I would like to thank the fire brigade and Neil for their fantastic help.

"We had four fire alarms fitted - two downstairs and two up - and the firefighters said they were three minutes from death.

"I am not worried about the damage, as our furniture and TV can be replaced. It just puts into perspective how precious your life is."