AN APPEAL has been launched to help the family of a Highbridge teacher who lost their home and pets in a huge house fire yesterday.

The family of five have been left homeless after the blaze that killed their whippet dog and bearded dragon.

The campaign, Help For Rosie Clements, has been set up by kind residents to offer money and donations.

There is also a crowd funding page which can be found here, and local businesses are being encouraged to get in touch on the Facebook page to offer anything they can.

Items, including vegetarian food, can be dropped off at 16 Caxton Road and 20 West Avenue, Highbridge. 

Warm hearted people have expressed their sympathy to Rosie, who is a teacher at Churchfield Primary School, and her family.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Benita White, said: "She's a wonderful person and well loved teacher- such a cruel and horrible thing to happen to them.

"They lost all their pets- a dog and bearded dragon.

"People have been so generous already- £2,000 raised so far on a fundraising campaign and pledges of free beds and furniture by local companys.

"My daughter was in Mrs Clements class last year and also my son had her.

"She's such a lovely lady and always went out of her way for the kids.

"I helped when asked on trips and I've not met her family but know from others they are lovely and well loved in the area.

"We have a whippet dog like Rosie had- hopefully they can get a home sorted before school's back in September."

Mel Waters said: "I'm with Rosie- they are at a caravan at the moment and they can't really accept lots of donations as no where to put them at the moment. 
"Thank you so much to everyone- we are thinking now how to actually help practically at the moment and will keep you posted when she tells us where best to go from here."

Bridgwater Mercury:

Elaine Tillam, who is a teaching assistant with Rosie, said: "All clothes, toiletries and any other essentials can be dropped off at 20 West Avenue and I will make sure they are passed on to Rosie and her family."

Jade Taylor said: "My heart goes out to them. 
"I will help in anyway I can- I could fundraise with face painting."

Leanne Swift said: "It's brought me tears to see such love and generosity in our community.

"It restores faith in humanity when people come together like this for someone in a time of need.

"Whilst the many precious photos and keepsakes can't be replaced, I hope that they will soon be able to at least start rebuilding a place to call home. 
"Praying for the family in this difficult time."

Residents are donating children's clothes- to fit a boy aged 16, and two girls aged 13 and 10, as well as items for a man and woman.

Lucy Parsons added: "No furniture or big items as they have nowhere to store at the moment.

"They are in a caravan so need items for everyday living.

"Gift cards and money to the Just Giving site would be most welcome so they can get what they really need. 

"Food items would also be great- non perishable."

Bridgwater Mercury:

Other household items are being collected at various drop offs in the town.

The fire service were called just before 2:50pm on July 27 in Burnham Road, to reports of flames being seen from an upstairs window and a large volume of smoke.

The fire was spreading to a neighbouring house, and was not brought under control until 4:58pm by the 16 firefighters.

The fire was confirmed as completely extinguished at 12:55am this morning, but there was 100 per cent damage to the home.