A MAN left homeless after his house was set alight by arsonists could move back in within the next few weeks – thanks to the local community.

When 57-year-old Sean Twomey’s property in Lightbown Street was targeted by vandals in August he lost everything – because the house was uninsured.

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But after hearing of the Irish-born lorry driver’s plight, friends and neighbours in Darwen have pitched in to save the day, rebuilding the severely damaged house and fitting it out from top to bottom.

And speaking at the house yesterday, Mr Twomey said he plans to move into the redecorated attic soon. Mr Twomey said: “Once the windows are back in I can move into the attic and then work on the house from top down.

“The windows should be here by next week.”

Mr Twomey added that the response and help he has received has left him stunned. He said: “The progress is amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough. The community spirit in Darwen is there for all to see.”

Martin Conan-Smith, 50, heard about the fire, and together with a group of friends, he took it upon himself to help his friend Mr Twomey.

Local businesses and tradespeople have since come together to offer goods and services to help get him back in his house.

Martin said: “I heard about what had happened and I just sat down at the kitchen table with a friend and it just took off from there really.

“Everyone’s come together to sort out everything in the house, we’re still trying to raise money to finish it.

“An electrician has rewired it for nothing. I put something on Facebook and it just exploded, everyone wanted to join in and do bits and bats.“ l A 25-year-old man from Haslingden has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life in relation to the fire, which also caused neighbouring houses to be evacuated.