A COMMUNITY is rallying round a young woman who lost all her possessions after a fire ripped through her home.

Laura Shaw was devastated when she returned to her flat in Bouch Way, off Montalbo Road, in the same area of Barnard Castle as the GlaxoSmithKline site, to find flames had taken hold of the third-floor property.

Plumes of smoke could be seen miles away from the blaze as firefighters from the Barnard Castle rushed to the scene at about 8.45pm on Thursday.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFS) deployed three pumps and an aerial ladder to tackle the fire which raged on through the night.

It was eventually extinguished just after 9am on Friday.

A statement released on Miss Shaw’s behalf read: “Miss Laura Shaw is tremendously grateful for the kindness and generosity shown by family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. 

“She also wishes to thank the fire service for their care and professionalism. Miss Shaw would appreciate people respecting her privacy at this difficult time.”

Miss Shaw works at community and cultural venue The Witham, in the town, where the team of staff have vowed to help her back onto her feet.

It is understood the venue is due to set up a fundraising page to help her rebuild her home.

The Witham chief executive, Katy Taylor, said: “As Laura’s employer and friend, I will be working with the team here to support her in rebuilding her home and ensuring we do all we can to help her. 

“As a relatively newcomer to our community, Laura has joined us with such a generous spirit that I am certain she will find a lot of people willing to help in the coming months. 

“This situation reminds us of what a wonderfully kind and caring community we are part of.”

A spokesman for the CDDFS confirmed no one was hurt in the incident. 

A firefighters' investigation is ongoing to establish what caused the fire.

David Bodycombe, property manager of Oakland (Barnard Castle) Management Company Limited, on behalf of the leaseholders confirmed four flats are uninhabitable as two were damaged by fire and two by water.

He said: "The building is fully insured and will be repaired but could take up to 12 months to be complete."