An East Hampshire community has rallied as an online appeal to help the elderly owners of a thatched cottage devastated by fire has raised nearly £6,000.

There was heartbreak and shock in Oakhanger on October 15 when the roof of April Cottage went up in flames.

Hampshire Fire & Rescue investigators believe that damage caused to electrical cables by a rodent was the likely cause of the blaze at the grade II-listed family home.

The owners, a couple in their 80s, managed to escape safely thanks to a fire alarm but the resulting damage was considerable with crews from two counties battling and containing the blaze.

But although there’s relief the owners are alive and safe, the bid to rebuild an historic village landmark and family home will take some time.

There is some good news, however, as donations to a April Cottage fundraising appeal on GoFundMe have poured in since its launch the day after the blaze.

The family have been “blown away” by the response according to page founders, Amy Trantham and Simon Benwell, with around £1,500 being donated during the first 24 hours.

“This is a village that looks after its own – and now a family who have given this community 40 years need us to look after them,” said the pair.

“April Cottage is a Grade II listed building and a piece of our village's history – but this isn’t just any house.

“It’s a building full of history and it has been home to the same family for over 40 years.

“They have lost so much more than a roof – they've lost the place they've known and loved for a lifetime.”

The page has been set up to help the owners through an incredibly difficult time. To make a donation search for April Cottage on www.gofundme.com