A Haworth business that bounced back from a potentially disastrous fire has celebrated its reopening

Much of Damside Mill’s interior was badly damaged by a blaze last December, which was triggered by a storage heater.

The fire burned through a stairwell, shattered windows and destroyed furniture, electrical fittings, tools and craft materials.

The converted mill is used by bespoke furniture designer, Anthony Hartley, of Oxenhope, who said he had been ready to throw in the towel after the fire.

But repairs have finally been completed, and dozens of people enjoyed the re-launch event on Sunday at the historic property, off Lees Lane.

The converted mill houses a furniture workshop and art gallery, and it will resume hosting courses in furnishing and upholstery from Wednesday. Damside Mill is also used by upholstery and furnishings expert, Pauline Keenoy, and sculptor, Sam Shendi.

The official reopening was designed to give people a chance to look round the repaired facilities. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and cake.

The property’s business manager, Nel Hargrave, said she and her colleagues were delighted with the public response to the re-launch.

“The event was partly to say thank you to our neighbours, who have been very patient while the repair work has been going on,” she added.

“We had about 60 to 70 people through the doors, so we were definitely busy. What was particularly nice was we had a mix of people we already know and newcomers who we hadn’t met before.

“The owner of the building was here, along with some of his family members, and local councillor Russell Brown.

“We also had one or two tutors come along who said they were interested in staging courses at Damside. As a result of that, we will be hosting a course in hat making.”

She said the layout of the interior was much the same as it was previously, though the mill does now have a new kitchen and a redesigned workshop for Mr Hartley.

“There’s been a mill on this site since 1571, so it’s great that a bit of the area’s manufacturing heritage is still able to continue,” she added.