YOUNGSTERS at the schools attended by the two youngsters who died in the Ellacombe fire have created special memory books and tributes for their family.

Westlands School pupil Stephanie, 15, and eight-year-old Ben McAuliffe, who went to Combe Pafford School in Watcombe, died following the horrific fire which gutted their home at 28 Ellacombe Church Road, Torquay.

Westlands School this week postponed its variety show as a mark of respect.

Head teacher Mike Stewart said several of the pupils attended the candle-lit vigil for the children outside the Wojaks' house earlier in the week.

He said: "They said there were lots of people there and that it was very quiet and respectful.

"The pupils have been completing books of condolence for the family and we are looking to create a more permanent memorial. We have asked for ideas and one suggestion is a picnic table and bench."

He said the pupils were coping well with the tragedy.

At Combe Pafford School pupils have been putting together a memory book for the family. They were also having the photographs taken at school copied for the family who lost everything in the blaze.

Head teacher Mike Lock said: "It has been a difficult week. We are doing a collection and the children have been getting together a drawing or a little piece of writing for a remembrance book.

"He was such a lovely lad and he will be greatly missed. I think people have also found it difficult to deal with the way it happened."

Meanwhile offers of help are flooding into the Wojak family through the Ellacombe Fire Fund appeal.

In the first week cash totalling £1,050 has been pledged to help Michael and Gill Wojak and their son Ricky rebuild their lives.

They lost everything in the gutted house and their insurance had lapsed.

Michael Wojak served in the Devon and Dorsets, including in Northern Ireland.

The Army Benevolent Fund, the Devon and Dorset Regiment Association and The Rifles have made a donation direct to the family.

Many businesses and individuals have also come forward with offers of help with everything from clothing and bedding, to beds and three piece suites.

All offers are being forwarded to the Royal British Legion which together with landlords Riviera Housing Association is coordinating the donation of the kind of items the family will need when they are found a new home.

Residents in Watcombe, Torquay have raised more than £200 for the family.

Pensioner Mary Stone of East Pafford Avenue went round with a collecting tin this week after Saturday's fire and raised £203.

The money has been given direct to the family.

"I had a good response but some people just didn't have the money," said Mary, 72. "What happened is very, very sad. It's terrible that children were involved. The family were delighted when we gave them the money.

"I just wanted to say thank you to those people who donated money when I went round with my tin," said Mary.