A former pupil at Somervale, whose family still live in Midsomer Norton, has given Nub News dramatic photos showing how in two weeks his home in Australia, while still safe from the out of control bush fires, is now choked by smoke.

He said: "The fires are awful it feels like the whole world is burning and people have died defending their homes. We are safe here, the nearest fire is the Dunn's Road fire which is burning out of control around 50 kilometres away, smoke is so thick visibility is around 50 metres at times and it stinks."

Rob, whose sister and parents still live in Midsomer Norton said: "Our politicians have been caught sleeping at the wheel, putting profits before people and the RFS (Rural fire service,) predicted these conditions but nothing was done. People are so angry and they're right to be. Having said that the generosity of the whole world is overwhelming, we feel the love."

Rob who left Somervale in 1994 urged his former friends and anyone who wants to help to go to one of the Go Fund pages, the most prominent run by comedian Celeste Barber who has raised 25 million Australian dollars, around (around £13 million).

You can find out more about the Rural Fire Service via the red button below.