THE plight of a pensioner who had no furniture or floor coverings in her home moved the hearts of Lancashire people who have showered her with donations.

Esther Stanton is overjoyed with the gifts of furniture and now wants to say a huge thanks to everyone who has helped.

Two weeks ago Esther, 70, moved into a new flat in Spinneyside, Galligreaves, Blackburn, but had no furniture as she was not allowed a second DSS loan.

She had been living in a council maisonette for four-and-a-half years but the furniture she had bought with her previous loan had been ruined by a series of water pipe bursts.

She moved into the flat with only a mattress which her daughter Christina Houghton had given her and some of her old curtains.

Christina told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph about her mother and when the story appeared they were overwhelmed by generous offers. They were contacted by Anne Slater, of Bacup firm National Carpets, who agreed to provide carpets for the entire flat.

Red Rose Gold Radio also got in touch with Esther and donations began flooding in from as far as Blackpool and St Annes.

"She's had lots and lots of offers," said Christina. "One from Blackpool even offered us the full contents of a house.

"And then National Carpets rang us to say they would deliver free carpets for the whole flat. We were amazed. They are beautiful and not cheap either.

"She's had a bed, chairs, carpets, curtains, a wardrobe, dressing table - my phone has been a hotline.

"My mum keeps saying she never knew people could be so generous. We both want to say thank you to everyone who has helped."

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