A man who lost his Southwick business in a fire has been given £1,400 by the neighbours, who came together to help him get back on his feet.

Dan Elliott’s motor vehicle repair business went up in smoke on September 23, after fire broke out in a biofuel reprocessing unit.

The flames ripped through his workshop, in Hoopers Lane, ruining the garage, destroying most of his tools, a Mini Cooper and a Harley Davidson motorbike.

To help Mr Elliott, 33, rebuild his business, local firms decided to throw a fundraising event at the Farmhouse Inn last Sunday.

Mr Elliott, who moved from Southwick to College Road in Trowbridge last month, said: “I was very surprised by just how much everybody has done to help me and my family.

“I’m absolutely touched by what they have done for me. It has been fantastic and I can’t thank them enough.”

The fundraising event included a car wash, run by Dennis Growie, a raffle of 30 prizes, a pub quiz and an auction with lots donated by businesses.

Mr Elliott, who lives with partner Hayley Harris, 21, and their four-month-old daughter Jessica, said: “At the time of the fire, we were in the middle of sorting our move, so that week was just a blur. I couldn’t tell you how everything went.

“About a week-and-a-half after the fire, I set up again next door to my old workshop, sharing the space with a few other guys, and things have been going well.”

Mr Elliott said he would use the money to buy a ramp to help with his work. he is now working to rebuild Elliott Motor Services.

Farmhouse landlord Adam Glass said: “It was a brilliant day and we raised nearly £1,500 for him, which is absolutely excellent. I can’t believe just how many people came together to help Dan out.”

On November 2, the Farmhouse, in Frome Road, will hold a music event, called Garage Aid, at 7.30pm, with a performance by Chris Goulstone to raise more funds.

Mr Elliott said: “During Sunday I had so many people coming up to me and asking me to do work on their cars. I’m so thankful to everyone involved in organising the event.”

For Garage Aid event details, call the pub on 01225 764366.