A MOTHER-OF-FOUR whose house went up in flames has praised the response from the public after being overwhelmed by pledges of donations from well-wishers.

Vikki Wilson, her husband and four daughters, aged 15, 13, eight and seven, have had to find somewhere else to live after their home in Cropton Close, Redcar, was hit by fire.

She said they had “lost everything”.

The blaze destroyed an entire first floor of the property, while flames could be seen shooting out of upstairs windows.

Cleveland Fire Brigade had five fire engines at the scene at its height and said all inside in the property were accounted for following the fire just before 3pm on Tuesday.

There were also no injuries.

At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown.

An appeal on Facebook from Riverdale Primary School in Redcar, where the children are understood to attend, asked people to donate children’s clothing and shoes and had been shared 865 times by mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

It said: “One of our families have suffered a tragedy with a fire destroying their house.

“Everyone is safe but they have lost everything in the fire.

“If anyone is able to help school will be open for any contributions you may be able to give.”

Responding to the appeal, Mrs Wilson said: “We need everything as we have no home and are currently living in different houses.

“As you can also imagine we have nowhere to store anything. You are all very kind and generous thank you all xxx.”

She added: “All I can do now is try and find a house and build a home for my girls, that’s my priority now.”

Terrie Allison said: “I run a clothing bank and will kit them out for free.”

Others pledged to donate anything from beds, a settee, curtains and other household items.

A go fundme page has also been set up so people can donate money to the family.