The roof of the house was destroyed in the fire

Organisers say people have also donated bedding, toiletries and other essentials for the family in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

Anya Evans, 15 and sister Kira, 14, who lived at the house and friends Kimberly Patterson, 15, and Nadine Fardon, 14, managed to escape last month's blaze.

All four are still critically ill in hospital but are said to be improving.

Appeal collection points have been set up and a bank account opened at the Llanelli branch of HSBC.

One of the appeal organisers, Christine Clark, said: "We were able to bank �1,500 before Christmas and we are not far off �2,000 now.

"People have been very generous and we have also been contacted by people outside the town."

Mrs Clark said as well as money, people had donated basic items the family would need in the months to come.

"They have not got anywhere to put them at the moment so we are storing them for now," she said.

"We are not going to stop [collecting] for some time."

There are collection boxes in the Avenue Villa Surgery and the offices of the Llanelli Star newspaper.

From top left, clockwise: Kira, Anya, Nadine and Kimberly

The girls' families have spoken of the "overwhelming support" they have received from friends and strangers since the blaze on 17 December.

Many of the girls' school friends have been in touch, texting, phoning and sending messages, a spokeswoman for Morriston Hospital in Swansea said.

In a joint statement issued before Christmas, the families said: "Total strangers have also taken the time to let the families know they are thinking about them and wishing the girls well.

"We have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages of support we have received.

"It is a very anxious and awful time for us, and we have drawn a great deal of strength from knowing so many people are thinking about the girls and wishing them a speedy recovery.

"We want to give a heartfelt thank you for all the kind words, cards, gifts and offers of help from family, friends, neighbours and strangers alike.