A COLLECTION has been started for the survivors of a house fire which killed two sisters and their brother.

Eighteen-year-old Lee Yates and his sisters, Gail, 27, and Joanne, 22, died in the blaze at their mother's Pelham Street, Middlesbrough, home, at the weekend.

Yesterday, DNA tests led to the formal identification of Lee, whose body was found in the loft bedroom of the house which was gutted by fire.

Gail's daughter, Megan, aged two, survived. It is believed she was shielded from the flames by her mother.

Yesterday Megan's condition in Middlesbrough General Hospital, where she is being treated for 31 per cent burns, was said to be stable.

Local newsagent Sajid Hussain has started a collection of donated food, clothes and toys for the toddler and her grandmother, Rose Yates.

"I know the family very well and they were regular customers at my shop,'' Mr Hussain said. "This is a close community and people want to help them.''

He is also hoping neighbours will help set up a trust fund to help the family.

The Laurel Hotel, in the town's Borough Road, is holding a charity race night next month in aid of the little girl.

Police investigations are continuing to establish the cause of the blaze.