A BOOKSHOP that almost burnt to the ground has risen from the ashes to open up again in Swindon town centre.

The ArcAngel Christian bookshop on Victoria Road was almost destroyed by a gas fire in January last year but, thanks to the tireless efforts of its owners, it is back in business serving the people of the town.

The fire that broke out in the flat above the shop, where some of the family live, was caused by an accident during the fitting of a gas cooker.

No-one was hurt in the incident but there was substantial damage caused to the first and second floor of the property as well as water damage to the ground floor.

Pam Carbol whose family own the shop said there were a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into the re-opening of the store.

She said: “We were all totally devastated and shell shocked.

“The flat upstairs where my daughter Larissa lives with her fiancee, was almost completely destroyed. The shop has been shut for 16 months and that has been a long and emotional experience.

“The first few months were very strange and surreal.

“As a Christian bookshop, it was our faith that kept us going and we knew we would re-open again as that was God’s wishes.

“Our customers have been incredibly supportive and loyal and the re-opening went wonderfully. We are looking to the future now and getting back with the business.” Five engines from Swindon, Westlea and Stratton were used to fight the flames during the blaze and at the height of the fire four pumping appliances, an aerial platform and an incident command vehicle were in attendance.

The bookshop is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am until 4pm.

For more information call 01793 520 528.