Community spirit has come to the fore in Abergavenny, with local people rallying round to help those whose homes and businesses were ruined by the fire on Monk Street at the weekend.

Firefighters were called to Sundarbon Bengal Cuisine on Monk Street at 3.26am to put out a blaze which had spread across to the next building, housing the Divalution Salon and the flat above.

The couple living in the flat, Charlene Sutton and her partner Kevin Parry, jumped from their window when they discovered the fire, which resulted in Charlene receiving spinal injuries for which she now needs an operation, and Kevin suffering an ankle injury.

"Kevin and I have never been so scared in our lives, and we feel incredibly lucky to still be here," said Charlene. "I think we must have someone watching over us as I feel so lucky that I woke up when I did."

Three other people were rescued from the buildings on the street, including Jodie Berry and her boyfriend Aaron Corrigan who were asleep in their flat above Fonseca and Partner Solicitors but were not injured and were allowed back home the next afternoon.

Emergency services were called from Abergavenny, Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale, New Inn, Cwmbran, Abersychan, Tredegar, Monmouth, Blaina and Abertillery to battle the fire, which was eventually extinguished by the fire crews - but six residents had to be found alternative accommodation.

Both Sundarbon Bengal Cuisine and Divalution were extensively damaged by the fire and both owners have as yet, been unable to return their premises for safety reasons. This is also true of Charlene and Kevin, so the full extent of the damage is not yet known.

Ali from the Sundarbon Bengal Cuisine and Jan Comperat, who owns neighbouring Divalution, and the flat above are both worried about their future.

Jan told the Chronicle, "When I heard the news I couldn't believe it. I felt numb, and then my mother called me and told me she had heard too. It has been such a difficult year, and to welcome in the new year like this has been horrible."

While the families affected struggle to come to terms with the fire two local women have joined forces to help in any way they can.

Natalie Chiplin, owner of the King of Prussia, along with her friend Nikki Cleaton, set up a Facebook group calling on people to donate household items, clothes and anything else that Charlene and Kevin may have lost in the fire.

Natalie said, "When I heard about what had happened I knew I had to do something, and so I set up the page hoping to get a few people willing to help, but the response we have had astounded even me. Within only a few hours we had so many people signing up to the page, offering us items and showing their support.

"We have already got enough to furnish multiple homes and we cannot thank the people of the town enough for promoting the page and for offering up items for those who lost household items, clothes and more."

Now the couple are hoping to use this support to help Jan and Ali in their struggle to get back on their feet.

Nikki said, "We are keen to set up a fundraising page and are looking at the right one to use but, in the meantime, any donations will be gratefully received. We have managed in such a short time to get household items, clothes, food, towels and more for the couples, and it would be great to get some money to help get Ali and Jan back on their feet.

"The response from people so far has been amazing, I feel that Abergavenny has a great sense of community and this has really shown itself. We know how long an insurance claim can take in these situations so we think it's important to raise some money to help out Jan and Ali at this difficult time and we are sure the town will show their support and help us."

They are also thinking of holding an auction, with local actor Simon Griffiths hoping to get hold of some exciting items to be put up for sale. He has already been in touch with Jonny Vegas for some signed books, and he is hoping to be able to get a signed, one-of-a-kind item from his Oscar-nominated film The Voorman Problem.

Both Jan and Charlene have expressed their thanks to Natalie, Nikki and the town for all the support they have received.

Charlene said, "Their support has been a great help at this difficult time and I want to especially thank Natalie for all she has done, she has been amazing.

"I also want to thank my father who has taken in Kevin while I am in hospital and is helping him recover from his ankle injury. Also the staff on ward 3/2 have been incredible. I cannot thank them - and my paramedic - enough.

"Finally I want to thank my best friend Jeanette Richards for being there for me and visiting every day without fail and putting a smile on my face."

Jan also wanted to say 'a huge thanks to everyone who has offered their support to , my mother Pat who runs the salon, Ali, Charlene and Kevin'.

"This has been a terrible start to the year, but it has been heartwarming to see such a fantastic response from local people and they have all been a great help, not just with what they have donated, but helping us ourselves," she said.

"I also need to thank the ladies at Studio One, who have offered a space in their salon for Divalution. Anyone who has an appointment can contact my mother Pat Dunstan or Natalia Seabourne on Facebook to confirm the booking, or call Studio One."

The women and the town have also been praised by Abergavenny Mayor Martin Hickman, who said on Facebook that he was delighted at the way the community had pulled together so quickly to help out the victims of the fire.

"We should all be proud of what individuals can do to help out in desperate times. I thank Natalie for acting so fast to set up a Facebook page and gather so many donations," he said.

Natalie and Nikki are now putting together a fundraiser, with details to come over the next few weeks, and their donation page should be up and running over the next few days. For updates keep an eye on the 'Help the victims of the Monk Street fire' Facebook page, and to donate contact Nikki on 07702 634713.