PARTS of a house torn apart by a gas explosion have been pulled down ahead of work to rebuild it.

Workmen this week began removing the shattered remains of the detached property in Chapel Road, Wrentham, which was left badly damaged by the blast on Christmas Eve 2010.

The two women who there were both injured in the incident. Lynn Brown required treatment for serious burns and her daughter Lucy Green suffered minor injuries after jumping to safety out of an upstairs bedroom window.

The work to clear parts of the damaged property began after Mrs Brown applied to Waveney District Council for permission to rebuild it. Planning officials used delegated powers to approve the application.

After the explosion Mrs Brown and Miss Green moved to a rented home in Wrentham along with their dogs Izzy and Ozzy which were also hurt in the dramatic incident.

Stephen Harrison, a neighbour of Mrs Brown in Chapel Road, said: 'Everybody here says it is good to see the work has started. Workmen have been here for two days to clear a space and now there are just foundations there.'

Mrs Brown and her daughter lost their belongings in the explosion but despite having to endure a difficult time afterwards they were heartened by the support they received from villagers in Wrentham, work colleagues and people further afield, many of whom sent them goodwill cards, letters and gifts.

The plan to rebuild the home also received the seal of approval from Wrentham Parish Council.

Council clerk Angela Day said: 'I hope it will mean Mrs Brown and her daughter can now rebuild their lives.'