TRADESPEOPLE have answered a rallying call from the founder of a campaign which hopes to rebuild a family's home following a devastating house fire.

Tracy Poskett was in hospital to discuss her cancer treatment last September when she learnt her house on Park Parade, Spennymoor, was on fire. Police and firefighters believe the blaze, which gutted the property, was arson.

Mrs Poskett and her family did not have insurance so have struggled to make any repairs.

Last week David Goss, director of building and heating company Concept 16, launched DIY SOS Spennymoor on Facebook to try to complete the work.

He said: "We've had a good response and got all the major tradespeople in place. We desperately need a commercial cleaner and two new windows and doors soon so we can get straight in and start."

Electrician Kevin Osborne, of OJ Electrical which works in the Spennymoor and Ferryhill area, has offered to rewire the entire house and has secured materials from suppliers Park Electrical and Eaton UK.

He said: "I've seen DIY SOS on TV and always wanted to get involved in something like this, to be able to help people out.

"I love my job and make a good living from it, I want to give something back."

Mark Solan, founder of The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust and ITV Tyne Tees Fundraiser of the Year 2017, is supporting Mrs Poskett as she deals with a bowel cancer diagnosis and has offered fundraising advice.

Mrs Poskett said: "It is a amazing. For the first time I am saying 'we'll get back in our home' and actually believing it will be possible.

"It means so much to see people trying to make it happen just because they want to help."

  • Volunteers who can help clear the property on Saturday are asked to meet outside the Army Cadet base, on Villiers Street, from 9am.
  • Anyone wishing to donate funds or wholesalers willing to give materials can contact Concept 16, which has secured extra storage space to hold supplies, on 01388-815315.
  • Donations can also be made at Spennymoor Post Office or via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/diysosspennymoor