PRAYERS have been said and messages of support continue to flood in for the York woman who suffered horrific burns from a petrol fire in her kitchen.

City of York Council’s chief executive, Kersten England led the sympathy yesterday and said she was looking forward to welcoming 46-year-old Diane Hill back to the city.

“This is a dreadful accident and naturally, at this time, our thoughts are with Diane Hill and her family,” she said: “I really hope that Diane can make progress with her recovery and we look forward to being able to welcome her back to the city.”

Mrs Hill suffered 40 per cent burns when petrol she was decanting in her kitchen was ignited by a nearby lit stove. Last night a spokeswoman for Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield said Mrs Hill remained in a critical but stable condition.

Yesterday also saw prayers said for Mrs Hill at St Paul’s Church, close to her home in Holgate.

The Rev John Lee said: “We prayed for her at this morning’s service. We are thinking of the family at this difficult time and we would like to offer support in any way we can.”

Meanwhile, a number of Mrs Hill’s neighbours are to be offered support from social workers after witnessing the incident on Thursday.

Coun James Alexander, leader of City of York Council, said: “People saw this incident, this is a horrific tragedy and that’s the thing we need to recognise.”

One next door neighbour, Margot Johnston, 86, described seeing Mrs Hill burn as being worse than her experiences of the war and said she would welcome a visit of support.

She said: “I’ve heard nothing about any visit from a social worker but it would be welcome, I suppose.”

The accident prompted calls for the resignation of Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude, who last week advised people to stockpile petrol in their garages ahead of a possible tanker driver’s strike. However Mrs Johnston said her neighbour “was not a hoarder”.

She said: “She keeps the petrol for her lawnmower and was trying to refuel it.

“The family are very private and I think they are embarrassed to find themselves so much in the public eye.”