
A roofer is leading a community effort to rebuild a family home gutted by fire.
Jack Crossley, 31, from Queensbury and owner of Crossley Roofing, has offered to carry out the work free of charge after a family home in Northowram, Calderdale, was seriously damaged by a fire in late August.
The blaze had damaged the internal structure of the house.
Jack Crossley outside the family home in Halifax
Mr Crossley first saw the damage as he drove past, then spotted a social-media appeal for help.
When he learned the family could not afford the repairs, he felt compelled to help.
Jack Crossley outside the family home in Halifax
He decided to "jump on" and help fix up the property as quickly as possibly.
This means he has taken on the role of principal contractor.
Mr Crossley said: "After hearing about the house fire in Northowram it made me realise how devastating it can be and how much it matters when people come together to help out.
A drone shot of the damage
"I’ve offered my free roofing services to get the roof back on.
"This includes taking the old damaged roof off, installing the new timbers and the roof itself."
Realising he needed more help, he appealed on social media for other tradespeople to join the project.
He said: "I’ve managed to speak to local suppliers who are also happy to offer the materials free of charge, including timber, roof materials and rainwater goods."
Jack Crossley outside the family home in Halifax
His video has attracted tens of thousands of views and so many supportive messages that he cannot reply to them all.
He added: "I was overwhelmed by the messages.
"The support is really good to see and shows the power of Facebook can work wonders."
A drone shot of the damage
A scaffold is due to go up on Friday, October 16, provided free of charge by LX2 Scaffolding.
Mr Crossley said other businesses had also offered their support.
A drone shot of the damage
'I want to give a big shout out'
He told the T&A: "I want to give a big shout out to the people already willing to help out.
"LX2 Scaffolding, who are putting scaffolding around the property free of charge.
"Woodstone Joinery, who are happy to help with the joinery work, and suppliers such as SIG and Myers Building Supplies, who have offered roofing materials.
"The list is endless of people who’ve offered their support, I can say this for my self and on behalf of the family how grateful we are. "
He also thanked New Look PVC, SIG Roofing and H&C Builders.
Jack Crossley outside the family home in Halifax
With eight employees, he can spare staff for the project while carrying on with other work.
The family has brought in building-control officers and structural engineers, who will work alongside Mr Crossley and his team.
He hopes further publicity will bring in more tradespeople and help the family return home.