TWO pet snakes died when a blaze tore through a family-of-four's home in Kendal.

The inferno took hold in the kitchen of a two-storey semi-detached house on Hallgarth Circle just before midnight on Monday night.

Neighbours said the house was gutted with severe smoke damage throughout.

Ann-Marie Procter, who lives next door to the family, said: "I had just gone to bed and heard a lot of noise. They were banging on my door telling me to get out. Without their smoke alarm they would not be here now.

"They have lost everything downstairs."

And now, the community has rallied around the family and well-wishers have been donating items to help get the family back on their feet.

"They are such a lovely family so anything we can do to help we will," said Ms Procter. "We look after each other here.

"They are desperate for clothes. We managed to salvage some but after washing them and washing them we cannot get the smoke smell out."

She said clothes for boys aged six to nine, women's clothes size 8-10 and men's large t-shirts and pants size 32-34 would be welcomed.

Anyone wanting to donate should take items to either 40 or 44 Hallgarth Circle.