Essex-based Hart Pet Supplies, which faced closure after a blaze destroyed most of its stock earlier this month, has been saved thanks to the support of local residents in Thundersley village... 

Owner Andie Freeston, who opened the shop eight years ago, feared her business wouldn’t survive, but has been left overwhelmed by the support she and her husband Mark have received.

She said: “The village has been absolutely fantastic. The whole of Thundersley has got together.

“Customers have been handing me money to get the shop up and running.

“I can’t believe it. I’ve had people in the street asking what we need and saying to give them a call.

“When we had a stock count, people and customers were coming in to help.

It has just been unbelievable.

People have been doing anything to help us out.”

Mr and Mrs Freeston are running a home delivery service while they wait for the insurance claim to be settled and the shop to reopen.

In the meantime, they have been inundated with offers of help and donations, including a flat screen TV to be auctioned from one customer and £100 from Thundersley Congregational Church.

Nearby businesses, Grouts the Bakers and Robert Michael Estate Agency, and friend Alison Lindoe have organised a charity night in the Tandoori Parlour, in Hart Road.

Izzy Winfield, 45, manageress of Grouts said: “Here in the village we are a very close-knit community.

“Years ago I had a fire myself and Andie was there for my husband and me, so that is why I thought I would give something back. The village has all got together as we want the business up and running.

“Andie is so lovely and would do anything for anyone, so we are doing the fundraiser and auction to get her back up-and-running and back where she should be.”