FAMILIES affected by a devastating Pontypool fire last month have been presented with donations of support from community members at a Trevethin charity shop.

TRAC2 charity shop on Church Avenue handed over £750 to Jane Malson and Carol Williams last week, after their homes were ravaged by flames on November 5.

One of Ms Malson’s cats died in the blaze, while Ms Williams ‘lost everything’ and had no insurance.

They have each been staying with family, along with their children.

As well as the money, residents also donated clothes, shoes, and furniture.

Ms Malson’s sister-in-law, Sue, is joint centre co-ordinator at the charity shop, with Dawn Hicks.

She said Jane had been “overwhelmed” at the generosity of the community.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all who donated,” she said.

“Thanks too, to Circulate Recycling, and Kate for contacting me the morning after the fire and offered your services straight away. Thanks also to Mark for pat testing all electrical donations. To Frankie Rose and T&J Thomas for your quick donations of clothes and shoes, and to Tracey George, Gill Mallett, and all others who donated furniture.

“Lastly, TRAC2 volunteers you should be proud of yourselves, as I am greatly proud of you all – for being the heart of the community and giving your time to serve others.”

Donations were collected at Trevethin shops, Trevethin Working Men’s Club and the Premier Express at Wainfelin, as well as TRAC2 itself.