Stoneleigh residents who were affected by a destructive fire have paid heartfelt tributes to their community after donators raised more than £6,000 to help them.

The damaging blaze, in Rembrandt Close, engulfed six properties that weekend (April 27), with roofs and floors alight, as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the fire was so severe that the London Fire Brigade had to send crews from nearby stations in New Malden, Surbiton and Wallington.

A JustGiving page was set up by the Stoneleigh and Auriol Residents Association shortly after, with around £6,000 being raised by more than 200 supporters.

Now those affected have praised those helped them in their times of need.

Tracey said: “I have been completely overwhelmed by the support and generosity from the local community. To think that people I have never met have wanted to support my family and I is amazing, and I want to say a very big thank you to you all and the emergency services.”

Gilly said: “This has been a difficult and challenging time for us all. I would like to thank the emergency services, St John’s Church and local residents, especially Matt for supplying us with whisky and coats on the night.

“Subsequent days saw the local community showing us unbelievable acts of kindness, and generosity and I cannot thank you all enough.”

The Stoneleigh and Auriol Residents Association also thanked everyone who donated for their generosity.