A CARING Gwent community raised more than £4,000 to help the two sons of a couple found dead in their burning home.

Sally-Ann and David Jones, both 44, were found dead after fire hit their home in King Edward Street, Brynmawr on December 19.

Around 1,100 people attended their funeral took place yesterday.

The couple left behind two sons, Jordan, 10, and Dorian Jones, 21.

People in the town have rallied around to comfort the grieving family - and raised around £4,600 to help them.

St Mary's Church in Wales VA Primary, where their youngest son was a pupil, raised nearly £2,000 for the brothers.

The school raised the money from the proceeds of their festive show, Jack Frost, and by selling mulled wine.

Brynmawr Comprehensive school are also said to have raised around £2,000 from collections for the boys, the Free Masons of Monmouthshire made a donation of £400, and the Brynmawr Rotary Club donated £200.

Reverend Richard Grey, president elect of the Rotary club, said: "We all wanted to help because the death of Sally and David has effected the whole community.

"David was really involved with the Nantyglo rugby team and was a very friendly guy.

"Sally-Ann was a supporter of the children in anything they did. They were a well liked couple."

He added: "The community of Brynmawr, irrespective of what tragedy strikes it, always comes forward in a positive way."

The money was given to the family to spend on the two brothers as they wished.

The family may have used some of the money to help replace their clothes, which were destroyed in the fire.

Police are carrying out an investigation into the suspicious fire for Gwent coroner David Bowen. No one else is being sought in connection with it.

At the opening of the inquest into the couple's deaths, it was revealed Mrs Jones died as a result of pressure to the neck while Mr Jones died as result of exposure to fire and smoke.