ELEVEN months after a fire ripped through three Halstead High Street businesses, the first has reopened it's doors.

Age UK charity shop has been closed since a fire severely damaged the store last July, as well as Friends Chinese and Riverside Fish and Chips, which still remain closed.

But volunteers at the charity shop celebrated on Friday as the store reopened.

And committed worked, Rita Moore, was given the responsibility to cut the ribbon as she marked 10 years working on the site.

Manager, John Brandon, said: "I am over the moon, as I think we all.

"I have been here for years, so it is a bit like coming home, and it is like a putting a house back together again.

"It really has been a long 11 months but we can look forward now."

Steve Wooldridge, Head of Retail at Age UK, said: “Following fire damage to the Age UK Halstead shop last July, we have carried out an extensive renovation and are absolutely delighted that the shop is open for business once again.

"As ever we rely on the kindness and generosity of local people donating their unwanted items so would ask anyone having a summer clear out to bring their items in to our newly refurbed shop. The average bag of donations is worth £10 to Age UK – 25% more if gift aided – and helps us to continue to support those who are facing later life alone by providing services including lunch clubs, exercise classes and befriending services.”