THE blast could be heard across the town.

The home of Hela and David Davies was devastated, as was the neighbouring semi-detached house.

The couple suffered arm, leg and head injuries and were treated at Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital’s specialist burns unit.

After leaving hospital, they stayed with their daughter and son-in-law in Colchester before moving into a privately-rented home in Clacton.

Son-in-law Stuart Giles told the Gazette his parents-in-law were thankful to everyone who rushed to their aid and those who donated items and money in an appeal set up for victims of the blast.

Tracey White helped to set up a community group at Coppins Hall community centre, in Maldon Way.

The group disbanded in November after the last of the £8,000 raised was handed over to families.

“It was amazing how the whole community pulled together,” she said.

“I live in Bockings Elm and I heard the explosion.

“My brother and sisterin- law live in Cloes Lane, so I rang them to check if they were OK.

“They had been told to stay indoors because loft insulation outside the homes was still on fire.

“How anybody got out of those houses alive was amazing – there must have been somebody watching over them that day.

“A few of us on Facebook just wanted to do something and I offered to help.

“Those whowere affected by the blast just couldn’t understand why so many people helped. It was very humbling.”

Over the following months, money was raised at non-uniform days, a family fun day at Highfields Holiday Park, a charity football match at FC Clacton and other events.

The cash was distributed to 22 households affected.

Tracey said: “The group was only set up to help those affected by the blast through the first 48 hours with food and clothing, but then so many people wanted to get involved.”

One year on and the two houses most severely affected have been pulled down and the site cleared.

Repairs are ongoing for the remaining houses damaged in the blast.

The memory of the explosion will live on.