The Hinchley Wood community has rallied around the residents of a care home devastated by fire.

St Christopher’s Church has become a focal point for many affected by the blaze at the Gibson Court home, which left one elderly lady dead on Friday, September 30.

The church saw about 100 people attend today’s harvest festival service, with volunteers helping transport elderly care home residents scattered in temporary accommodation.

Rev John Kronenberg said worshippers at this weekend’s services and lunch said prayers for the deceased, and offered thanks there were not more casualties.

He said: “Initially they said they were not up to it, but we got them face to face and they warmed up and had a great time.

“That was a wonderful time, and you could see the colour come back into their cheeks.”

He said many people who heard about residents who lost all their possessions helped collect clothes, soap, toothpaste and other items.

He said: “People have pulled together tremendously and there’s a tremendous sense of generosity.

“I think for all these people, because of the way they were woken in the middle of the night with firemen in their rooms saying you have not got time to pick up your glasses, I think there’s a huge amount of delayed shock.

“We want to keep the community together. They care deeply about each other.

“I think if we can keep them together while the building is hopefully being rebuilt we can keep that community preserved.”

Rev Kronenberg said the church is compiling a contact list for where Gibson Court residents are currently staying, so friends and relatives can contact them, and he can help keep residents in touch with each other in the days and weeks to come.

He can be contacted on 020 8786 6391.