A DISTRAUGHT young mum whose flat was gutted by fire has got her life back on track - thanks to good old fashioned community spirit.

Upset 21-year-old Claire Ashcroft was left in tears when her uninsured home in Penwortham near Preston was accidentally set alight by her mischievous son Sam, 3.

Everything was destroyed but generous neighbours on Lacy Avenue and nearby streets came to the rescue. Now they have raised nearly £100 for them.

Neighbour Trisha Leighton organised the collection and helped Claire salvage anything she could from the wreckage.

And her young children Sophie, two, and seven-year-old twins Kirsty and Kelly helped out by emptying their money boxes.

Shocked but over-the-moon Claire was presented with the money during a surprise visit yesterday (Wednesday).

She said: "I'm touched and lost for words. Everyone has been brilliant. I want to say a big thank-you to everyone."

Trisha added: "We felt so sorry for her and Sam. It's the least we could do."

Claire's life was saved by her young son when she heard him shouting and awoke to find her bedroom in flames early in the morning on August 20. Claire is living in emergency accommodation.

After the blaze firefighters again warned parents to keep matches out of reach of children.

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