THE community of Didcot have rallied round to do their bit in aid of the search for three missing people after Tuesday's power station collapse.

Mothers and children from the town baked cakes and donated other snacks to the emergency services, working around the clock to find workers trapped beneath the rubble of the 10-storey building.

They said they were devastated after hearing of the collapse of part of the boiler house, which killed one person and left five others injured.

Chief fire officer Dave Etheridge said it was "highly unlikely" the missing men would be found alive.

Mother-of-two Nicola Hutchings, who lives in Ash Way in the Great Western Park estate, opposite the power station, came up with the idea to help the emergency services.

The married 33-year-old, mother to Zachary, three, and four-month-old Wilfred said she wanted to get involved to help those involved in the response.

She added: "Since it happened I just felt like I wanted to do something, but didn't know what to do.

"I didn't want to badger the emergency services, but we thought by doing this we were doing our bit.

"I told my husband Tom and then put something on the Mum's of Didcot Facebook group, which is amazing and really supportive.

"I asked if anyone wanted to get involved, and the response I got back was phenomenal.

"I baked about 40 cakes myself, but there have been more people who have donated crisps, biscuits and other snacks.

"This community is amazing. We moved here from Abingdon and since I've become a mum the support of everyone around is just amazing. We all support each other."

Mrs Hutchings along with other mothers, toddlers and children from Stephen Freeman Primary School visited the scene of devastation yesterday to deliver the goods to Rapid Relief volunteer Nigel Silcock.

Mr Silcock greeted the community members and thanked them for their generosity.

He added: "It's very appreciated by the people on site.

"It's a global charity, we are here for the community in times of need and we are grateful for the donations."

Mrs Hutchings added that the group would be doing more trips as the recovery process, which could last weeks, continues.

Floral tributes were laid at the entrances to Didcot A Power Station throughout the day.

Cranes and heavy-duty lifting equipment were deployed at the site of the collapsed building as firefighters continued to work night and day to find the men.

Mum Lisa Veralander, 34, enlisted the help of children from the primary school, where her children Lillimai, 11, (cor) and Maici, five, study. The children baked eight loaf cakes and 60 cupcakes for staff on site.

The full-time carer said: "It's so hard because you want to do something to help, with the community.

"I thought I would get the school involved with the baking. It's such a massive thing and I think it's important for the children to get involved and know about the scale of what has happened.

"It looks devastating."