The community has rallied around to help elderly people made homeless by a fire which killed a pensioner.

The fire at sheltered accomodation at Gibson Court, Hinchley Wood, on Friday, September 30, killed Irene Cockerton.

Another 40 pensioners were left homeless and lost treasured possessions.

Claygate Community Centre has been inundated with clothes, toiletries and other useful items for residents affected in Hinchley Wood’s fatal fire.

The community has been so generous that they have no space left for donations, but what the residents of Gibson Court really need is money to help rebuild their lives.

For those wanting to give deep and give something back to a group of people whose lives were shattered in the fire, Gibson Court Residents Association can now accept money donations.

Marina Golding, who helps run the association, said: “The residents have been overwhelmed by the kindness of local people. And want to thank everybody that has helped.

“A lot of clothes have been donated, which is lovely, but we haven’t had any financial help yet.

“People don’t want to ask for money, it’s a very sensitive issue.

“We have had somebody come forward to say they want to give £200 which is fantastic, but it’s very early days.”

If you want to help, cheques should be made payable to Gibson Court Residents’ Association.

They can be posted to the newspaper, addressed to Gibson Court Appeal, Elmbridge Guardian, Allied House, Second Floor, 29-39 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3SZ.