BOXING champ Frank Bruno did the rounds on Sunday to raise cash for the Atkinson family whose four year old daughter died in a fire in Barleycorn Close in May.

Four residents Gina Macdonald, Stephanie Coll, Nicky John and Caroline Wallis have worked tirelessly, along with others, to raise money for the family who lost everything in the blaze. This weekend saw the finale of a month's hard work. On Sunday, the green in the centre of Meadow Way was transformed for a huge fun day and boxing knock-out Frank Bruno and town Mayor Karen Cursons opened proceedings.

About 300 people helped to raise about £1000 which will go into trust funds for the two Atkinson sons rescued from the fire.

In true community spirit, the family's new home has been painted and decorated by Meadow Way neighbours and friends. The same caring individuals - as well as the wider community from Leighton - have also donated furniture, curtains, clothes and toys. Even new carpets were generously donated by a local carpet company.

Businesses, shops, farmers, councillors, police and the fire brigade have responded to the crisis by giving in many ways. People involved include: Malcolm Cobley who gave tireless support and £50 cash prize for the raffle; VST made stocks and boards. John Frazier from Bridlington Farm gave the succulent pig roast; Mini Clipper supplied a lorry plus £200 cheque; Pearces also supplied a lorry; Yirrels, the butcher, 200 sausages; Daniel from Strattons supplied the barbecue and cooked the burgers; Colin, Linda and fellow puppeteers from Hope Puppets performed the puppet show.

Cllr Adam Fahn rolled up his sleeves! DJs Danny Flex, DJ Simzy and Mick Deakin, Jewsons donated a generator; Mick Deakin gave his help; Peter Wright from the Wright Tile Centre; Ray Wood donated a generator, Crazy Colin entertained, Aga and friends from Sing up performed wonderful music with enthusiasm; Chrissy from Shoutabout Entertainment, the fire brigade and the police, First Aid from Nina, Robert Mitchell and Victoria Dunn; face painting from Lauren, Jodie and Kirsty.

Spokesman Linda Finley-Day said: "It was such a fabulous day and totally overwhelming. Thanks also go to AP Taylor of Dunstable, Cox & Robinson, George and Karen Thompson, the Drop In Centre at Hockliffe Baptist Street, Childrens' Amusements, Claire's Accessories, Denver Carpets, Pecks Farm shop, Absolutely Fabulous, the market traders of Leighton Buzzard, W.H. Smith, Michael de Meo's hair salon, Mama Rosa, Hairlines, Willen Lake, Gastek, PVD Paints, Selections, Wild Wood, James Carpets, Tesco, Morrisons, Rosehill Chemists, Phil Dunn, Tony the Ice Cream Man, Mrs Banks from Salvation Army, PVD Paints, the Glasshouse, Iceland, Aylesbury Carphone Warehouse, Second Sport, Perfect Parties, Cim-Ram, Oliver Adams, All Saints, KidsOut, HomeStart , Dee from the Youth Club, Mead Open Farm. McDonalds - Leighton Buzzard, Activity Land/Kids Play - Milton Keynes, DJ Big Ben, No Limits - Newport Pagnall.

"Also huge thanks to the Meadow Way Community Association – and everyone else who has helped in any way."

The community has been imaginative with their efforts to raise money including a fancy dress walk by Sam MacDonald and friends which raised £184, a sponsored leg waxing, a pyjama walk and a portrait painted by Robert Mitchell of Frank Bruno.

Aaliyah's father Carl was overwhelmed by the response and thanked everyone for their kind donations. He said that he and his family were extremely grateful.

Four year old Aaliyah was found dead in the kitchen of the three-storey home after she had run back into the house behind her dad Carl who had got her to safety in the garden. He had gone back into the inferno to rescue the two boys still trapped inside. Hero Carl was in hospital for three weeks with smoke related injuries.