Three years on from a fire which devastated part of Cleckheaton's indoor market traders are flooding back.

In January 2002 there was little left after an electrical fault sent fire ripping through the lower arcade.

Some traders set up a temporary home in the upper tier and others were forced to give up their businesses.

With the refurbishment on the Kirklees Council-owned market complete, the doors opened for the first time on Thursday.

"It's brilliant," said Louise Slater, of family business Slater's Provisions and secretary of Spenborough Chamber of Trade. "It's good to be back and in such a nice modern environment. We've had a very favourable response from customers. The stalls will be full up towards the end of June and then it'll be buzzing again."

The lower half of the market was gutted in the fire with many traders losing everything.

Restoration finally began last year with the lower section and the final stage will start soon as the upper tier closes for several weeks of refurbishment.

The ceiling will be lowered, new lighting fitted and the walls repainted. The total refurbishment will cost about £300,000.

Viv's Market Caf, which has occupied the same spot in the upper tier for 15 years, will be closing down while the work takes place. Carol Gavaghan, of the caf, said their section was getting a "facelift" and they would be extending the caf too.

Jas Bagral, who has run a bag stall in the market for ten years, said he was glad to be back in the same spot, but with added space. The indoor market houses 23 stalls and some are still vacant.

Despite the damage caused in the fire, a small market in the top arcade has been maintained throughout with some stalls relocating where possible. The market opens 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with half day closing on Wednesdays.

A re-opening will take place on Saturday, June 25 with a mystery celebrity guest.