A MUM and her four daughters have "lost everything" in a fire which gutted their Ferndown home.

Francesca Radcliffe and girls Olivia, seven, Madison, six, Lola, five, and Ella, three, were out of their home when the blaze took hold of the property in Severn Road on March 29.

Neighbours spotted smoke billowing from the house shortly before 2.30pm and called 999.

Despite the efforts of fire crews, the property was gutted in the blaze.

Since then, kind-hearted members of the public have donated hundreds of pounds to help the family start again.

Francesca's brother Leigh Atkins-Craig said the fire was a "devastating blow".

"They've lost absolutely everything.

"It's just been awful," he said.

"They'd gone swimming at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth straight after school. Francesca went at about 2pm and not long after the house was in flames.

"They were just about to get in the pool when they had a call from a neighbour."

Although Francesca hopes to return home in the future, Leigh said the family must await a report on the state of the property.

"She's been speaking with the council to get some support," he said.

"She'd like to move back in if she could but the whole house is damaged."

The girls have been left with just their school uniforms as a result of the blaze.

"Luckily, they'd gone swimming straight from school, so they were in their uniforms," Leigh said.

"She's tried to wash some of the clothes left in their rooms but everything's falling apart in her hands."

Those who have heard of the family's plight have donated clothes, toys and toiletries.

"We just want to say a big thank-you to everybody," Leigh said.

"We've got absolutely loads of donations - so many we're starting to run out of room for them all. It's been absolutely fantastic.

"People have been so kind, it's overwhelming."

A spokesperson from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said "multiple crews" from Ferndown, Redhill Park, Ringwood and Poole were called. The fire was extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing masks and using hoses.

Firefighters are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze. However, it is not currently believed to be suspicious, police say.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/mcparents-francesca-radcliffe