A BRIDGWATER family are appealing for funds to help their Nan get back on her feet after a devastating fire destroyed the ground floor of her home.

At around 9.30pm on Monday, June 1, Denise Brooks was made aware by her neighbour that part of her house was on fire and managed to get out safely before the blaze took hold.

The fire brigade was called and crews from Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea were sent to the scene on Osborne Road in Bridgwater.

Denise, 66, was heartbroken to see her home of more than 50 years go up in flames, with constant black smoke billowing from within.

Firefighters managed to put out the fire using two hose reel jets and a main jet, but the ground floor of the property was gutted and the upstairs severely smoke damaged.

The cause is still unknown and an investigation into how and why this happened is underway.

Denise, who lived at the Osborne Road property alone, is currently residing with her family in Bridgwater.

Denise's grandson Layton Hucker has set up a gofundme page to support his Nan following the incident.

"My Nan is the most kind-hearted person who always goes above and beyond for everyone," Layton said.

"She lived in the house for 50 years and had recently spent money doing up the house, with a new TV, fridge-freezer and a boiler, all of which has perished or been badly damaged.

"It is not clear what the insurance will replace at this stage nor how long it will be until she can return home again.

"I have taken it upon myself to raise money for her to replace whatever the insurance cannot and help her out in any other way she needs."

Layton said the family had received an abundance of flower bouquets from friends and neighbours in wake of what happened.

In less than 24 hours since setting up the fundraising page, more than £1,350 had been donated, alongside many messages of support from well-wishers.

One of the messages reads: "Best wishes Denise, you have the biggest and kindest heart of anyone I know", while another describes Denise as 'a wonderful woman and an excellent carer who was also a pleasure to work with'.

If you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/denise-brooks-fire-damage-fundraiser.