Steps are being taken towards restoring six historic Crediton cottages which were razed to the ground in a devastating blaze earlier this month.

A total of five families have been temporarily housed following the major chimney fire at Buller Square, which took emergency crews around three days to overcome.

Residents have met Mid Devon District Council officers, structural engineers, insurance agents and loss adjustors to discuss how a renovation programme can be achieved.

A spokesperson for Mid Devon District Council said: "The purpose of the meeting was to begin discussions on the way forward for the protection of the site, the clearance of the debris and to start to look at the way in which the homes should be repaired.

"That process is obviously complicated because of the number of properties involved. Council officers will be working with all parties to go through the necessary steps with the collective aim of repairing the homes as soon as is practically possible.

"In the meantime, the buildings remain in a very poor condition and are unsafe so unnecessary access should be avoided by any unauthorised persons."

Donations for residents have reached in excess of £17,000.