FRIENDS, family and strangers worked their socks off when a project to renovate a family home after a devastating house fire got underway at the weekend.

Volunteers cleared away the burnt mess and bad memories left by the arson attack in Park Parade, Spennymoor, last September and create a blank canvas for community project DIY SOS Spennymoor to start its renovation.

Homeowners Tracy and Craig Poskett, who raised three children in their home of 13 years, did not have insurance and, accepting their mistake, feared returning home was impossible.

But just over a week ago David Goss, director of building and heating firm Concept 16, set up an appeal to get them back home by May.

Saturday’s clean-up operation was day one onsite.

Mrs Poskett said: “We’d had promises before, but from that Thursday on it has been crazy. The support has been massive and the clean-up went amazing.”

Lisa Wakenshaw, of Kirk Merrington, had only met Mrs Poskett a couple of times previously but she and son Aaron Horsley, 11, wanted to help.

“I would be devastated if it was me and my kids and home, I really feel for her. Chucking out family photos must be awful, we just wanted to help her out,” she said.

Michelle Lamb, 41, grew up with Mrs Poskett in Chilton and has supported her since the fire, which on Friday meant sledging on the Daisy Fields, at Spennymoor, and on Saturday she joined the clean-up.

She said: “If it happened to me I know Tracey would the first one there to give a hand, regardless of what situation she was in she would put what’s happening to her to the back to help.”

Mrs Poskett, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year, said: “I thought I was overly emotional before, today I cannot even find the words.”

The 50-year-old said she appreciates everyone who has helped from those volunteering with the renovation to fundraisers and said she was moved to tears by supporters, including people who helped within days of their own family bereavement and a couple who have asked guests at their forthcoming wedding to make a donation in lieu of gifts.

“I feel happy and I hadn’t felt happy for a long time,” she added.

Mr Goss said: “We set it up to help a family in their hour of need and put the rallying cry out for everyone to come and help.

“It is just great to see people turn up, it is pretty touching when you see women turning up with their bairns.”

Workers can now see what is needed and begin the renovation in coming weeks.

He said: “As grateful as we are, this is when the trades move in and the volunteers can help with fundraising.

“We’ve got the skilled people lined up, we need the gear to get the job done.

“We are appealing to suppliers and wholesalers to help but some things will need paying for.

"Every donation, no matter what, will help.”

Mr Goss estimates about £3,000 will be needed to complete the first phase of work, which will include a deep clean of the building and some new external windows and doors.