STAFF are breathing a long-awaited sigh of relief after being told their fire-ravaged gift shop can reopen later this year.

Mike Beeston was boarding a plane to Las Vegas to celebrate beating cancer when he learned that his shop, Ringwood Celebrations, had been devastated in a blaze that engulfed Meeting House Shopping Centre a month before Christmas.

A criminal investigation is still underway as to how the fire began. It is believed it was started in a commercial bin which was pushed up against the rear wall of the building.

Now insurers have said his shop will reopen sometime late July-August.

Once finished, the unit will be double-glazed with insulation in the loft space - in line with building regulations - ensuring that the building is up to modern standards.

Reliving the moment shop manager Roxy Oxford called him to say the shop was ablaze, Mr Beeston said: "They thought I was having a heart attack on the plane. It was just shock. But the fire officer told me there was nothing that could be done while the investigators were there."

Mr Beeston said he estimates that he lost around a third of his annual income in the weeks leading to Christmas as a result of the fire.

Add that to the income he would have had between the moment the fire began and when they reopen in the summer, as well as lost stock, Mr Beeston believes he has lost tens of thousands of pounds.

Fortunately members of the Ringwood community have come together for Mr Beeston and his staff to support them in their hour of need.

"I do love Ringwood," he said. "It's such a small community but we've had people asking when we're going to reopen.

"It's so lovely.

"Business owners have come forward offering us garage space and computers. Our competitors, Balloonarray and Three Wishes, have been brilliant and given us a lot of help and support. I can't praise the industry enough."

Staff member April Hayward added: "I think our customers are very loyal. They've stopped me in the street and said how much they miss us."

Mr Beeston added: "To be honest we're all bored. It will will be nice to see all the customers back."