The company that runs the Crewe complex destroyed by fire said it had been left "devastated".

Avantage (Cheshire) Limited thanked the fire and rescue services "who have worked tirelessly throughout the night," as well other agencies.

It said its priority was to "ensure that all residents are safe, comfortable and have somewhere to stay" before looking at a longer-term plan.

"The local community have been amazing, and have really come out to support residents who have lost so much with collection points set up for donations.

"It is just incredible."

Jennie Aitken
Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

A man's described rescuing people from the fire at the retirement complex as the roof collapsed.

Joey Rogerson said he was among the first people to get to the Beechmere supported living complex in Rolls Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire, yesterday evening.

Fire crews from across Cheshire and Staffordshire were called to fight the blaze and parts of the building have collapsed.

Joey said he and others "knew the dangers" but worked with police officers to rescue elderly residents "as the roof was collapsing".

Perry Spiller
Presenter, BBC Radio Stoke

Driving instructors in Crewe were ferrying donated supplies to help people affected by the fire last night and taking bottles of water to help firefighters.

Image source, Cheshire Fire Service

One of them, Chris Mackay, told BBC Radio Stoke hundreds of residents were turning up last night to help at the local leisure centre as donations poured in.

"There were so many people coming along dropping water and snacks, I believe the local pizza place sent pizza and food for the staff", he added.

A collection bucket to help residents affected the Beechmere fire has been put in the cafe at Crewe Football Club.

Any donations of clothes and other essentials can also be left at the club's Cumberland Arena and will be distributed to residents.

Age UK said donations could be left at all of its shops in Crewe.

The accused and another man are set to next appear in court in September over Desmond Wooding's death.

A 24-hour helpline has been set up by Cheshire East Council for the family and friends of residents caught up in the fire.

Those concerned can call 0300 123 5025

A man describes rescuing vulnerable people from a fire at a retirement complex as the roof collapsed.

A man has been explaining how he rescued elderly residents when fire broke out at a retirement complex.

A change to the council's administration and further time to reflect has been given as the reason.

The residential block destroyed by fire is just 10 years old, the daughter of a resident said.

Claire Bagnall said her mum Nora, 85, who had lived in the complex for 12 months "loved" the centre.

"It's just given her such a good social life and she's made some lovely friends, it's just really sad."

"On Monday they celebrated 10 years of Beechmere opening, and they had a big party, and it's just so sad now what's happened."

Den Siegertsz

I've visited one of the collection points in Crewe and people have been coming in with their donations since the fire last night.

Image source, Facebook

It's been set up by the manager of the Rainbow Day Nursery, in Haslington, who posted on social media after they heard about the blaze., external

Since then, people have been dropping off blankets, food parcels and there's been a steady stream of people coming in this morning since I've been here.

The nursery says it'll stay open until 18:00 and then take all the donations to help the complex on Rolls Avenue.

Shropshire Star

Here are three stories from the Shropshire Star today:

• Former head teacher failed to pay thousands of pounds of hotel bills, external
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The official response to the fire involves the police, Cheshire East Council and fire service, along with Public Health England and the Environment Agency.

Everything is being done to support residents who had to be moved from the scene, police said.

Mark Palethorpe from Cheshire East Council, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Crewe community for rallying around to support those affected by the terrible fire at Beechmere.

"The community spirit shown has been overwhelming.

“We have seen very many people offering help, donations and other support both at the rest centre at Crewe Lifestyle Centre and, earlier in the evening, at the site itself."

She is in a critical condition in hospital following the collision in Birmingham.

Cheshire's fire chief said getting a call to a fire at a retirement complex or care home is one "everybody dreads".

Mark Cashin, from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said crews had helped evacuate about 150 "frail and elderly" residents.

"A roll call was done and all those residents are safely accounted for."

Wolves complete the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Meritan Shabani on a three-year deal.

The Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Laura Smith, said she would be heading back to her constituency following the "devastating" fire.

A meeting would be held with fire officers later, she said.

She thanked emergency services, care workers, residents and "everyone who has helped".

"My thoughts are with you all," she tweeted. , external

BBC News Travel

Delays on the trains around Coventry this lunchtime, due to problems with overhead cables.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Luxury car maker Bentley Motors has made a £5,000 donation to a fundraising appeal set up to help residents of the retirement complex following the fire.

The firm, which is based in Crewe, has added it is "deeply saddened" to hear about the blaze and "our thoughts are with those affected".

Towels, underwear and toiletries are being donated at collection points around Crewe.

A local charity is also offering refreshments to anyone affected.