A single mother-of-two has spoken of her frustration after being left without hot water and cooking facilities for two weeks in the run up to Christmas.

Tracie Wye, 41, of Boscombe Avenue in Leyton, smelled gas on December 5 in her home and the supply was switched off.

But despite several calls to landlord East Thames Housing Association, the hot water supply was not restored until December 20.

However, her oven was still not working and a mini-cooker was supplied by social services on Christmas Eve.

But Ms Wye said she could not afford any more food after buying expensive takeaways for three weeks and using costly fan heaters to replace the central heating.

She said: "I can’t deal with this anymore. I don’t have the energy and this whole situation has made me so ill.

“It has made me feel as though I am not worthy and as though I cannot look after my own two children."

Ms Wye and her children, aged two and 15, spent Christmas Day at her sister-in laws and, although she is thankful for the support, she claims her children’s Christmas was completely ruined.

“I was hoping to be at home for Christmas, but as the day got closer I realised it wasn’t going to happen." she said.

“This has been the most awful Christmas and I am still frightened that my house isn’t safe.

“I feel terribly guilty to my children that I couldn’t provide them with a Christmas dinner at home.

The Guardian has approched East Thames for comment.