WELL-WISHERS raised nearly £1,000 for a child whose mother died in a house fire just days before Christmas.

The appeal was started following the fire in Holbein Close, Grange Park, on Sunday, December 16.

A single mother was killed but fortunately her nine-year-old son was elsewhere on the night of the blaze, staying with family.

Nearby resident Rachel George raised just over £350 mainly by collecting door-to-door on the Holbein estate.

She said a further £600 was raised by a collection from parents and teachers at Oliver Tomkins school.

ASDA Wal-Mart donated a bicycle and clothes and Sainsbury's came forward with a hamper of food.

Mrs George said: "I'd like to thank everybody so much for their support.

"Hopefully the little boy had a better Christmas than he would have had."

She said the money she raised will be put in a trust fund.