A regional daily has launched a campaign to help a community on its patch recover from an explosion which injured more than 30 people and severely damaged a number of buildings.

The Liverpool Echo has set up an “online noticeboard” to help people in New Ferry, Birkenhead, connect with businesses to help them restore their properties.

The devastation was caused by a suspected gas explosion the weekend before last.

The Echo hopes businesses including painters, roofs and glazers will get in touch to help and has set up a special email address to allow them to do so.

How the Echo covered the explosion on last Monday’s front page

Editor Alastair Machray said: “This is a small way of us helping a community still in shock after the terrible events of last weekend.

“New Ferry is a strong community and we know that people are already coming forward to help their own. We want to help people help others by hosting all those offers and amplifying people’s requests for aid.

“And, of course, we’re already aware of the charitable efforts underway. We can help with that too by publicising them.”

The newspaper is also encouraging people organising charity events for those affected to get in touch.

The notices will appeared on the Echo’s website, with a selection also being published in the paper’s Wirral edition.