AN ISLE of Wight branch of the Royal British Legion is looking to support a young family after their home was devastated by a fire earlier this week.

The branch, in Ventnor, is offering for its facilities to be used as a collection point for donations.

It comes after residents were forced to evacuate a block of flats on Dudley Road on Thursday.

A fire broke out in a second floor flat, and two fire crews – one from Sandown Fire Station and another from Shanklin Fire Station – attended the scene.

“A young family lost everything,” said a spokesperson for the Ventnor branch.

“We would like to help by offering the club as a collection point for clothes, shoes, household items, toiletries, etc.

“At the moment, the priority is children’s clothes and shoes; boys age seven and size 1 1/2 shoes, and girls, age five, size 12 shoes.

“Men’s XXL clothing and size 10 shoes, and ladies’ 14/16 clothes, size 6 shoes, are also needed.

“We are happy to accept anything that doesn't fit the criteria, with a view to hold a sale to raise funds for the family.

“Donations can be dropped off from 11:30am to 11:30pm each day.”