A Haworth-based furniture maker is almost ready to start work again at his original base following a “nightmare” fire at his workshop.

Much of the interior of the premises at Damside Mill, off Lees Lane, was wrecked by the flames in December last year.

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, who said he had been ready to throw in the towel after the blaze, which was triggered by a storage heater.

Now however, Mr Hartley says the studio should be able to open again at the beginning of September.

“Things are moving along and I feel much better than I did six months ago,” he said. “I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before, but we’re two thirds of the way towards completion.

“We’re on with the plastering and electrics now, and waiting for new windows to go in.

“The insurance company hasn’t been too bad and the landlord has been absolutely fantastic – really supportive.

“Pauline Keenoy will be restarting her upholstery courses in the building. I’ve had plenty of people phoning me up and asking when her courses will start up again.”

Mr Hartley, who lives in Oxenhope, expressed his thanks to Stapleton Joinery, which offered him free use of a workshop in Silsden for at least two months while the damaged Haworth building was sorted out.

He also thanked everyone else who had helped him get back on his feet, including neighbouring residents, friends and customers.

“We couldn’t even enter our building for a good two or three months while we had it assessed and the insurance arranged,” he added.

“I was ready to pack it in, and instead just try and rent a little workshop somewhere else.”