A MALMESBURY photographer has used his skills with a lens to help support a local family who tragically lost their home to a fire earlier this month.

Robert Peel took a photo of a sunset over Malmesbury on the evening that Natasha Wartnaby lost her home and all her belongings to a blaze.

He posted the image on social media with the caption ‘Malmesbury on fire this evening’ to the Make Malmesbury Better Facebook page, unknowing of the fire that had taken place that day.

To show his support for the family he is selling signed prints of the picture, the proceeds of which are going to the fire fund HEALS of Malmesbury community group have set up to help Natasha and her family.

“I found out about the fire after someone alerted me to it on social media” said Robert.

“My wife suggested that if people were interested then I should sell it as a fundraiser.

“Alison Cross-Jones from HEALS got hold of the idea and has been selling the prints at her shop.

“It has been quite well received.

“The community has certainly pulled together after the fire. People tend to do that in Malmesbury; lot of people know each other here.”

HEALS of Malmesbury volunteer co-ordinator Alison Cross-Jones was thrilled at Robert’s suggestion to sell the print.

“We were so grateful to Robert for his offer to help with the fundraising,” she said.

“People were interested straight away after we posted about the prints online.

“There are still some available and all money raised from them goes to the fund.”

The prints have raised over £300 for the fire fund set up by HEALS which is now at over £2,000.

If you would like to purchase a print you can do so at the HEALS of Malmesbury centre or reserve one by calling 01666 238100.