THE plight of families who lost their homes and belongings in a massive explosion prompted a rapid call to action by the Russell Taylor Group workforce.

Within hours of hearing about the major incident in nearby New Ferry, where the catastrophe left more than 30 people injured and properties devastated by the blast, staff began raising money to help rebuild the community as well as donate clothing and other essentials.

Managing director Ben Russell said: “The explosion happened quite close to our Bromborough headquarters and many of our employees have friends and know of families affected by this tragedy.

“We've heard terrible stories of mothers with young children who were left with very few clothes and shoes and having to go into temporary accommodation with their families. The situation was so desperate for others who had to find things for their children to wear in the school lost property box.

“Once we asked staff to collect items together, there was a mountain of clothing in no time at all which has now been taken to a central distribution point close to the disaster area.

“Every week we have a casual clothes day with donations going to charity. This week, we asked staff to dig even deeper – and they were all very generous.

“Donations are still coming in though and, once we get a final total, the business will be match funding it.

“As a company that puts family first, everyone is pulling together to help the aid work going on in this local community.”