A JustGiving page has already raised more than £1,000 for those who have lost their homes and possessions in the Holborough Lakes fire and a star of BBC's The Apprentice has also offered help as has a local DIY store.

Several hours on, fire crews are still at the scene at Snodland's Holborough Lakes development, where a complex of 22 flats went up in flames early this morning.

The blaze broke out in Lambe Close, off Manley Boulevard and flames were particularly severe at the top floor apartments.

Reports from the scene suggest the entire block of people will need re-housing.

Fire crews are still working at the charred remains of the top of the building. A rest centre has been set up at the estate's community building and councillors from Tonbridge and Malling borough and Snodland's town council are on hand trying to help residents.

They've been joined by the British Red Cross.

In just a few hours, more than £600 has been raised on a JustGiving page, set up by Maximus-Kaius Leighton, from Snodland.

It reads: "Some families at Holborough Lakes have had their homes and belongings destroyed due to the devastating fire at Holborough Lakes.

"Fire crews and NHS staff are still on site but it is clear the residents need our help and support. Anything you can offer in their time of need would be greatly appreciated and used to help in some small way. Thank you."

The JustGiving page hopes to raise £2,000. To donate, click here.

Felipe Alviar-Baquero who starred in The Apprentice in 2014 and also runs the Tiny Town soft play area in Larkfield has offered his support and said he is stationed at his business, in Sheldon Way.

Staff at DIY store Homebase in Aylesford have also offered assistance to residents affected by the fire.

Cllr Steven King, who represents Snodland West and Holborough Lakes said the community spirit displayed by the town has been marvellous.

He said: “As far as I am aware, in conjunction with Berkeley Homes, everyone has been found somewhere to live at the moment - whether that’s with family, friends, or in a hotel.

“It was sorted within four hours of the fire starting and I believe it was 12 flats affected.”

“The people of Snodland have really rallied round fantastically and the village hall has received an enormous amount of donations.

“It is a fantastic demonstration of community spirit, they have all been marvellous.”

He believes volunteers have sufficient donations at the moment, but said the council is providing support for anyone who needs it.

Cllr David Lettington, who represents Snodland East and Ham Hill, saw the cloud of smoke at 7am and headed down.

He said: “About two fire engines were there and within minutes there were a dozen.

“Where the fire started or how, we don’t know.

“I had contact with the leader of Tunbridge and Malling council and within minutes we had staff on hand.

“There were 24 families in the block and only one or two have not found people to stay with yet.

“I have heard Berkeley Homes is willing to help put them up in hotels if needed and Tonbridge and Malling council were prepared to set up a response centre, but it wouldn’t be required for very long.”

He said Nicolas Heslop, council leader, and Tracey Croup, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, both spent time there this morning.

Cllr Lettington added that the council will help assist those in need of housing.

Cllr Barbara Brown, who also represents the area, said she had no comment to make.

Tracey Crouch, Chatham and Aylesford MP, who visited for around three hours added: "The response from the community, individuals and organisations, and volunteer groups like the Red Cross was incredible and people's donations came in so thick and fast that a request went out for no more. The emergency services were being well looked after too with food and refreshments. Thank you to all those who have been in touch to offer help and support. Everyone really appreciates it."

She also praised fire crews, plus Berkeley Homes and its agent RMG for their support and getting to the site so quickly.

Simon Lewis, head of Crisis Response at the British Red Cross, said its emergency response teams had been called to help and five volunteers were assisting at the rest centre.

It had invoked its Tesco agreement, which allows it to be able to pick up essentials, such as food, toiletries, tea and coffee, from local Tesco stores.

Mary Scott lives on the estate and said: "People who live in the Lakes have been fantastic, there's been an amazing response, it really goes to show the community spirit here.

"Tesco has sent donations as has Marks and Spencer. Local people have been bringing clothes and baby articles. Some are also offering their flats as accommodation to those who've been left homeless."

Nearby Sandhole vets in Snodland has also offered its kennels in case people need somewhere safe for their pets to stay and Andrews Fish Bar in Snodland is offering firefighters and those affected free chips.