A FATHER of two has made a heartfelt fundraising plea to rebuild his family home after it burnt to the ground.

Mike Long could only watch as the Clockhouse Inn, Chideock was destroyed on Easter Monday. After it emerged he would not have enough money to finish rebuilding his home and business, Mike has launched a crowdfunding campaign to make up the shortfall of £290,000 in order to save the Clockhouse Inn.

"Our third-generation family-run business burnt to the ground, taking along with it every single possession that we owned," said Mike.

"The pub was 500 years old, a grade II listed thatched property and was the hub of our local community.

"I am concerned that we could end up with a Three Cups Hotel situation, like they have had in Lyme Regis, where it could just be left empty for years. The community have really missed the pub and I'm desperate to get back into our family home."

The link to the GoFundMe page has already been shared thousands of times, including on Twitter by comedian Al Murray to his 405,000 followers.

The Long family has already been pledged more than £60,000 towards the cost of the rebuild from kind donations in the first four days of the campaign - but another £215,000 is needed by January in order for the building work to be completed.

Subject to contracts being finalised this week, building work at the Clockhouse Inn is due to begin by the end of the month. (September)

"Obviously we are delighted that the rebuild is going to go ahead," added Mike.

"There is a contingency in place, but we need the funding in order to ensure we are able to finish on time, as we will have nowhere to live by Easter if we don't have it completed.

"I cannot be more thankful to the generous people who have already come forward to help us out. I was heartbroken to have to appeal for the money. It felt worse than when the pub burnt down. Having already been given so much from the local community, and then to be asking for more didn't seem right - but I really have no other choice.

"I am especially thankful to Ali Smith and Mark Oborn who have been incredible in spreading the message."

"My nine-year-old daughter Charlotte gave me the £8 out of her piggy bank and I just burst out crying," added Mike.

"If everyone the message reaches just gave £1, we will be eternally grateful and all their names will be up in the new pub as part of the legacy of the Clockhouse. The re-opening party will obviously be on us."

To donate to the Clockhouse Inn appeal, please visit gofundme.com/893v8jqw