More than £17,000 has been raised for the victims of heatwave housefires in Woodley.

People from all over Reading donated almost 60 times the target set for the fundraiser, after a blaze ripped through two semi-detached houses in Selsdon Avenue on July 19.

The money will go to the residents, a family with two children and a woman, who lost their homes and possessions.

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The woman’s step-daughter and fundraiser organiser Megan Warren said: “Thank you so much for all your generous donations.

“The families have been blown away with the amount of support they are receiving.

“We are so grateful, please continue to share the campaign so we can try to relieve as much pressure as we can.”

Firefighters tackled the fire for more than six hours after it broke out at around 2.20pm.

Fire teams returned to the site twice in the night and once in the morning (pictured) to inspect the scene for hotspots and ensure it is safe.