People have rallied together to raise thousands of pounds after a man died and residents lost their homes in a fire in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Online fundraising pages have been set up to help people affected after the fire broke out in flats on Sunday morning.
A man in his 40s was recovered from a property on Main Street where the fire started, and was declared dead at the scene.
Another man suffered minor injuries and was checked in hospital for potential smoke inhalation.
Residents have lost their homes and belongings after the blaze spread to neighbouring flats.
Emergency services remained at the scene on Tuesday, two days after the fire.
Main Street was still closed to both vehicles and pedestrians and a cordon in place around the affected area.
One of the fundraisers has been set up to help a player from Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Union Club, who is originally from New Zealand, and who lost his home and all his belongings in the fire.
A statement from Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Union Club said the fire has "shaken the whole community and surrounding areas" and "we will continue to stand together as the amazing community we are."
The fundraising page says:
"Jakob is far from home and having lost every possession he had, he now needs our community to support him.
"Even a few pounds can help him start to rebuild his life, and show that in Kirkby Lonsdale and in the wider rugby community no one stands alone. Thank you for bringing some hope and comfort to a grieving community."
The fundraising page is HERE. Almost £9000 had been raised as we went to press.
A minute's silence will be held at the club on Sunday in memory of the man who died in the fire.
A further fundraising page has been set up to help former Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club players Sam Kyle-Clay and Josh Ree (pictured below).
It said: "Sam and Josh both play rugby for Darlington Mowden Park RFC.
"After returning from playing Plymouth on Saturday both lads returned home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
"Sam and his partner were woken up by the police breaking into his flat asking everyone to immediately evacuate the building.
"A fire had started in their neighbour's flat next door and unfortunately spread to the flats where Sam and Josh live.
"Within hours the whole building was up in flames and everything inside unsalvageable.
"It's with great sadness we understand that Sam and Josh's neighbour lost his life in the fire. Thankfully both Sam and Josh were out of harm's way and have come away from the fire healthy.
"It has been a very difficult month especially for Sam having lost his father Adrian in November.
"On Thursday 5th December (two days before the fire) was Adrian's funeral, where we celebrated his amazing life.
"Sam has been so strong dealing with the loss of his father and as a rugby club we are very proud of how he has dealt with it and continued to play rugby since he lost his dad.
"To lose your home in the same month is an absolute travesty.
"Sam and Josh have both said that any funds raised will be shared between everyone involved in the Kirkby Lonsdale street fire, residents who lost their homes, and family members who have lost loved ones."
The fundraising page is HERE. Almost £7000 had been raised as we went to press.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said the cordon on Main Street will "continue to be in place and structural engineers have been on site assessing the damage to affected buildings and we will share updates on this as soon as we can".
"For any residents, visitors or businesses wanting support or needing help support is now available at St Mary’s Church.
"As previously communicated the council will also endeavour to carry out bin collections to planned properties, subject to traffic routes and diversions."
Paul Cassell, chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council, said: "A devastating fire broke out on 8th December in the Old Market Hall adjacent to the vacated Barclays Bank building, GR and RD Taylor's Camping and Army Surplus shop and Botanica Italian restaurant in the centre of Kirkby Lonsdale early on the morning of Sunday 8th December.
"The fire also spread to the flats above the premises.
"Emergency services were on hand quickly, the fire brigade sending several units to deal with the situation and the police cordoned off the streets surrounding the area and cleared all residents and holidaymakers from the area.
"Sadly, one local man lost his life in the fire. Our thoughts go out to the man's family and friends.
"The emergency services contacted the Lunesdale Hall and the local churches for assistance in dealing with the emergency and the community responded very quickly with help in dealing with people who'd been evacuated from the immediate area, providing them with food, drink, and comfort at this terrible time, as well as the same to the emergency services personnel throughout the long day and into the night.
"The Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council thanks all those who have helped today and is grateful for the assistance given by the whole community at this tremendously difficult time for the town.
"The area is still cordoned off whilst the fire brigade continue to bring the fire under control. At this stage, the cause of the fire has not been determined and it is now under normal investigation."
Donations at the upcoming carol service at Tunstall Village Hall on December 12 at 7pm will help to support those in need following the fire.
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