A COUNCIL boss heaped praise on Clacton’s community following the Cloes Lane gas explosion.

Tendring Council chairman Neil Stock thanked everyone who has worked to help the victims of the blast.

He said: “I would like to praise those members of the public who were at the scene just after the explosion and put their own safety aside to rescue people who were trapped.

“I would also like to praise the many people who have donated money and items to the victims, along with those who have set up the collections on their behalf.”

Mr Stock said the council has also been working hard to help residents in the aftermath.

He added: “As always staff have rallied round and pulled out all the stops to support and assist those residents who have been affected.

“As always it was a real team effort and one we should be proud of as a Council.

“I am sure that all our thoughts are now with those who were affected by this explosion in any way as they start to put their lives back together.”