A community is rallying round to support a family who ‘lost everything’ after their home went up in flames.

A devastating fire engulfed the lodge home of west Dorset farming family the Halletts.

Dorset Echo:

There were no injuries - but the family lost all their possessions in the blaze on Friday night.

Five fire engines attended the scene, between Halstock and East Chelborough. The cause of the fire is unknown.

David and Amy Hallett and their children - Camilla, eight, William, seven, Annabelle, five, and Edward, two - said they were grateful as the community rally round to support them.

Dorset Echo:

Two of the children play for Maiden Newton’s youth football team, and the club have set up a fundraising page to raise money for family.

Sticklands Primary School at Evershot where some of the children attend have donated school uniforms.

Mr Hallett, 37, described the moment he noticed his home in flames.

He was the only one at the site, working nearby, while his wife and family were visiting relatives.

He said: “I was down the farm cleaning the sheds out when I saw smoke coming from my home in the distance.

“I got off my machine and ran up the track, and by the time I got to the house I couldn’t get in with all the flames going on.

Mr Hallett went on to say that due to the extent of the damage the lodge home, where the family have lived for the past four years, will have to be completely rebuilt.

The family intend to rent a house nearby in the meantime.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said a call was received at 10.20pm on Friday. Crews from Maiden Newton, Beaminster and two appliances and a water carrier from Yeovil attended.

The brigade said everyone was safe and well. More than 100 calves being housed close by were also unharmed.

Coach of the under 8s football side at Maiden Newton, Russell Goff, set up a fundraising page to support the family as he coaches one of the affected children, William.

Mr Goff said: “We have always been a close-knit community-orientated club. All the coaches of the youth teams got together and donated some items, whilst I set up a page for other support as they’ve lost everything they owned, and it eases the burden.”

They have already raised almost £600 at the time of writing, with Mr Goff saying, “Everyone in the community has been really supportive and generous so far.”

Mr Goff added that he is also looking for donations of clothing, toys, books and teddies for the children to get the family through this difficult time.

Mr Hallett went on to express his family’s gratitude to the support: “We couldn’t wish for more support from people as they have been bringing clothes and toys for the children.

“We have received so much support, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone from the football team to the nurseries and schools.”

If you would like to donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/young-hawks-team-mates?fbclid=IwAR3oxRbybGkkqA-Ha7LebAzn2jULrtR7mhJDVmaS3z94H0LpRrplOl-aW5I