A 17th-century-style cabin is back to its best after the public rallied round to help repair damage from Hurricane Humberto.

The building, a replica of Bermuda settlers’ homes from 1612 next to the historic Carter House in St David’s, lost much of its palmetto-thatched roof when it was battered by the storm in September.

But volunteers responded to a plea from the St David’s Island Historical Society to donate hundreds of palmetto leaves to help rethatch the roof in time for the traditional Carter House family Christmas party this weekend. Rick Spurling, the president of the society, said: “We have had a huge response to our request for palmetto leaves. We are very grateful for this response.”

Mr Spurling said the Gibbons family at Palm Grove, Devonshire, was the biggest source of leaves, and that M Landscaping had provided trucking.

He said people had also donated about $1,500 in cash, which paid for half the cost of the rebuild. Mr Spurling added the “settlers” and their belongings will return home this week.

He said: “The mannequins are smiling, all of them.”

The Carter House family Christmas party will take place on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm.