RESIDENTS in Aveley have spoken of their shock and horror - and sense of helplessness - as homes in a neighbouring village were engulfed in a firestorm that produced clouds of smoke and drifting debris that floated over Thurrock.

Nevertheless, despite, the sheer scale of the disaster for residents in the London village of Wennington, the sense of community and willingness to help is shining through.

On a day when firefighting resources across Essex and London were stretched to the limit, 15 fire engines tackled the blaze that engulfed homes on The Green in Wennington.

While the destruction of homes and property in Wennington this afternoon has captured the headlines, it was a long day of smoke, acrid smells and blocked roads for many residents who suffered in temperatures of approaching 40 degrees.

In the morning a huge fire on marshes across the river in Dartford, which brought a call for horses boxes as grazing horses were rescued from the flames that swept the dry grassland, sent plumes of smoke and ash into the air and over homes in Grays, West Thurrock, Purfleet and Aveley.

Then the horrific drama and intensity of the blaze at Wennington brought more dense clouds and finally a big fire on land in Thurrock near North Stifford caused huge traffic congestion as drivers diverted from the already snarled up A13 got caught up in local school run chaos.

But it is the scenes in Wennington where a grassland fire spread to homes that have stirred most hearts. They were described as 'absolute hell' by one firefighter.

A fundraising page has been set up to help families who have lost their homes and all their possessions. It can be accessed via this link. A 'Wennington Fire Donations' Facebook page has also been set up. Already more than 1,4000 people have joined to help.

The human face of the fire tragedy. This family have lost everything.

And another fundraising page has been set up to specifically help a couple and their three young children who have lost everything. Their friend, Maria Jones, says: "Our best friends Claire and Antony and their beautiful 3 boys lost everything in the Wennington fire earlier today - their home, belongings and business. I am hoping the power of social media can help them get on their feet a little bit. Another one of their friends has kindly set up a gofundme page for them. Anything you can donate will be much appreciated."

Among those helping co-ordinate assistance from Aveley is community stalwart Teresa Webster. She can be contacted on Facebook via this link and says: "Amazing residents have kindly offered donations. to save this getting disjointed, can I please ask that you join the group Wennington Fire Donations which has been set up for donations and pledge any donations directly on the given site.

"This will help things not becoming complicated. I have also been in touch with my lovely friend in Rainham who is Admin on the Rainham FB group. He is going to post on the Rainham group if anyone has any free storage space to store items for residents.

"Not sure if we can source storage but for speed does anyone have some free space? Does anyone have any items they would be happy to donate for the families who have lost everything?"