A MUM and her baby daughter have been displaced from their home for several months after a serious fire.

Vikki Farnell said she "burst into tears" as she watched smoke rising from her house in Ribble Drive, Whitefield.

The 27-year-old and her daughter Evie-Marie Rea "lost everything" in the blaze, including clothing, furniture, children's toys and sentimental items.

The fire is understood to have started in the hallway, which was completely destroyed, with flames spreading up the staircase and into the living room of the semi-detached home.

"I am just devastated", Miss Farnell said. "We lost everything, absolutely everything. What was not destroyed by fire was completely ruined by smoke damage.

"I'm not bothered about what I lost, it's what Evie lost — her toys, clothes, first pair of trainers, everything from when we came out of hospital.

"Luckily I managed to salvage a memory box that contained her tags from hospital, and a couple of photos."

Support worker Miss Farnell was driving to a training session in Rawtenstall when she learned of the fire on July 15.

An emergency call had been made at 10.58am, with fire crews from Whitefield, Broughton and Heywood responding.

"I pulled up and saw fire engines and smoke and lots of people", Miss Farnell said. "I just burst into tears. I felt numb."

Firefighters spent three hours tackling the blaze.

Since the fire, mum and daughter have been staying with friends. They have been told it will be another 16 weeks before they can return to their rented property, once repairs are carried out by the landlord's insurance company.

"The landlord has offered me three other houses but I want to return to our home because that was mine and Evie's first home together", Miss Farnell said.

"They have to repair everything; the electrics, ceilings, windows."

Since the incident, friends, family, and the community have rallied around Miss Farnell, donating clothing, furniture, and toys, with a fundraising page raising more than £500.

The Frigate pub is holding an event on Saturday to show further support, as well as marking Evie's first birthday on Sunday.

"Everyone has been amazing", Miss Farnell said. "The whole estate has been incredible. I honestly can't thank everyone enough."

Fire crews previously said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, which began in the porch. The Bury Times has contacted Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Visitors are invited to The Frigate at 1pm on Saturday for a fun day, including a raffle, cake stall, tombola, hook-a-duck, teacup rides, name the teddy and more.

Friend Joanne Stockley, who has helped organise the event, said: "Vikki is a lovely girl and a fantastic mum to Evie. This is the least we could do for them. Yet again the people of Whitefield have been so generous in their donations."