KIND-HEARTED friends and well-wishers have raised over £1,500 for the Halesowen family whose farm was hit by two fires last week.

Ten calves were killed, a barn was destroyed along with plant equipment at Ross and Helen Beasley's White House Farm, Lutley Lane.

Friend Cheryl Hart started a crowd funding internet page and was inundated with pledges of money to help the family.

Mrs Hart said: "Let's raise as much money as possible to help them towards rebuilding their livelihood.

"This family don't deserve this heartbreak, they are amazing friends and most of all special friends."

As well as friends and customers donating cash the Halesowen Over-50s club also had a whip round for the family and donated £20.

After seeing the total reach £1,570, she added: "I can't believe the kindness of everyone and am overwhelmed with all the support.

"This has restored my faith in human nature."

Bek Hatch, who donated £10, said: I hope this small amount helps somewhat to the repair of what has been a horrendous situation that no one would want or should have to deal with.

"Don't be beaten, you can come back from this."

Farmer Helen Beasley said: "The first night was a needless arson attack and I want people to realise the devastation for the livestock and what those poor calves went through."

Speaking how the fire will have a knock-on effect on the farm's productivity, Mrs Beasley said: "You can replace the fodder like the hay but we'll have to manage without the shed and a tractor which was written off on Monday night.

"Days without machinery are days without work."

To donate to the family visit www.crowdfunding.com and search for Cheryl Hart.