Cumbria Fire and Rescue have thanked the Gosforth community after fire crews attended a ‘well-developed’ fire that damaged a shop and homes.

The fire which started on Thursday, August 15, took 10 fire engines to get it under control with crews from around the county attending with Barrow, Maryport, Staveley and Workington providing specialist equipment.

As the fire was brought under control the crews were stood down but a presence was maintained in the village for over 24 hours-plus in response to the extremely challenging building fire on Main Street, Gosforth.

Area Manager Lauren Woodward said: “Crews worked tirelessly to tackle a well-developed fire in a commercial premises with domestic dwellings above and surrounding.

“Crews engaged with local residents to provide reassurance and worked to limit the disruption to the village. I would like to thank all those who responded and worked to contain and tackle the fire.

“I would also like to thank the local community who supported Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service with welfare provisions, and the employers and families of our On-Call crews who were engaged in this incident for a number of hours.”

One of the stations that provide assistance Frizington Fire Station took to social media saying: “We are pleased no one was hurt and all were safe and sound.

“We would also like to thank the local community who supported with welfare provisions to all crews.”

The affected area has been cordoned off and the road is expected to be reopened soon.

Residents have since rallied around the effected families with a collection point for clothes, shoes and toys at St. Mary’s Church closing until the donations can be looked through.

A Just Giving page has been set up with the original target of £10,000 being surpassed with the total currently standing at over £15,000.

The funds are for two families who have been deeply affected, Michelle and David, as well as Peter and Marieke.

People can still to donate the Just Giving page by visiting the link here.