A COMMUNITY arts group which lost almost everything in the Drummond Mill inferno has so far raised more than £2,000 from a public appeal to help secure its future.

As the final parts of the mill were taken down over the weekend, Cecil Green Arts said supporters had already raised more than £2,300 towards a £35,000 target.

The arts collective, which lost all its puppets, tools and materials in the fire on January 28, said the money would be put towards securing a new base and to developing a community street parade celebrating 150 years of the mill.

A Cecil Green Arts spokesman said the fire at the Lumb Lane mill complex destroyed five years' worth of community art, including giant puppets and lanterns.

"For three years we had a base at the mill which, as well as storage, was used for community workshops and rehearsal space.

"For three years we had a rent-free home, which meant that we only had to fundraise for the specific projects we worked on.

"With the loss of this home at the mill we are faced with having to pay rent on the next space that we find."

The aim is to raise the money by the end of April this year.

The organisation said it members were currently working in the Canterbury area of Bradford running circus workshops for young people and creative art workshops for adults.

Katie Jones, a lead artist for Cecil Green Arts, described the loss of the artworks as a "tragedy" for everyone involved in the arts organisation.

She said: "It is a tragedy that all these pieces of Bradford street art have gone up in flames. We have lost not only our livelihoods but our creative home.

"Whilst we are devastated by the fire that has taken everything, we acknowledge that we grew from humble beginnings, building puppets in my living room in order to join in with a local school's carnival parade.

"We believe that we can rise again, to rebuild and recreate beautiful community based works of art; that continue to bring joy; to have fun; to raise hopes; to put smiles on people's faces; to create a sense of awe and to continue to tell the stories of the people of Bradford."

The online appeal, which has attracted donations from more than 30 people so far, can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/x7m9faa4

Online donor Evie Manning, who contributed £30 on the Go Fund Me page, said: "I didn't know Cecil Green Arts were based at Drummond Mills.

"I am so shocked at that devastating fire and so upset for you all that beautiful puppets and tools have been destroyed.

"I can't imagine how you're all feeling but I love the idea to make a parade that celebrates the history of Drummond Mill. We will be there to help make puppets."