A man who lost his home and beloved dog in a fire is thanking the community for their unwavering support.

Richard Murphy, known as Dick, was left devastated and traumatised after his caravan burnt down with his 23-year-old dog, Rex trapped inside last month.

The 69-year-old is known throughout Whitehaven for selling wreaths on Preston Street in the town centre, with the help of terriers Rex and three-year-old Roxy, and "lost everything" in the blaze.

He suffered from sleepless nights and nightmares after the horrific incident which took place in the early hours of the morning, even hearing his lost dog's screams when he shut his eyes.

Stephen Hall, who works next to where Mr Murphy's home was based on "Mason's yard", felt he had to do something to help the well-known Hensingham man.

"He has nothing left, so I wanted to set up the fundraiser to get him some money. It's devastating that it's happened, and so close to Christmas as well," he said.

After just one month of fundraising, Mr Murphy is getting back on his feet thanks to the generous donations of the town, with Mr Hall's target of £1,000 being more than doubled.

"Over £2,500 was raised for me!" Mr Murphy was over the moon to say. "Stephen gave me the money last week and I couldn't believe it.

"Everyone's been so supportive, and even though it can't bring all my stuff back or my dog back, it's really nice and I'm so grateful."

Mr Hall was also blown away by the town's generosity, and was glad to help his friend get his life back together.

He said: "I'm really happy to know he's got the money now, and that everyone helped him out.

"People can still donate if they want, and the money will go straight to Dick."

He added: "Thanks to everyone for donating – it's really good to see that people care for him."

While the thankful dog lover is trying to find a new home in Whitehaven, he has been living in sheltered accommodation at Calderwood House in Egremont since the devastating fire, and says the staff have been "great".

"It's a nice place here, everyone's really supportive and they're all looking after me," he said.

"Roxy's settling down a bit. Everyone loves her here – she's getting spoilt rotten, so she doesn't ever want to move out!"

He added: "She still misses [Rex], and I do too – I still hear him screaming and have the nightmares, but it's just one of them things, isn't it?

"I'm just lucky I got out of it alive."

To help Mr Murphy get firmly back on his feet and secure a flat in Whitehaven, as well as replace his belongings, search the GoFundMe website for 'Fundraiser for Dick'.