Community rallies around couple after house fire

Garry Berger and his aunt Christina Steele say the majority of people have been supportive and sympathetic

The family of a couple who lost all of their possessions in a house fire have thanked their community for coming to their aid.

Alex and Kay Berger were out when their terraced home in Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, caught fire and was badly damaged despite the efforts of firefighters.

More than 240 people have donated more than £5,000 towards an online crowdfund and some have offered to help repair the house.

The couple's relative, Christina Steele, said the vast majority of people had been "absolutely amazing".

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Beach Road home at 11:30 BST on Wednesday 6 August, extinguishing it about an hour later.

Norfolk Police said the cause was not thought to be suspicious.

Smoke was visible across Caister-on-Sea as the Beach Road house burned on August 6

The couple's son Garry Berger organised the online crowd-funder with a family friend, which described his parents as "the first to lend a hand, offer a meal or open their door to someone in need".

The 28-year-old said the home and everything inside it had gone, and that he wanted to raise funds for essentials including clothing, temporary housing and food.

Mr Berger acknowledged many people had been generous towards his parents, including the owner of a holiday chalet in nearby Scratby who offered a week's free accommodation.

However, he said some had left critical comments online because the couple had not renewed their insurance cover.

"I know you're going to get those people - but there's just no understanding; no sympathy," said Mr Berger, who explained that he and his aunt Ms Steele were trying to protect his parents from the negative response.

Ms Steele, 44, added: "I have to say, 99% have been absolutely amazing and I can't thank them enough."

The house was badly damaged but the owners say it has been assessed as structurally safe

The British Red Cross is among the organisations which offers support during the aftermath of a fire.

The charity has staff and volunteers trained to offer emotional support and advice on next steps, advising that those without insurance would need to contact their local council for housing support.