A COMMUNITY hub which was left gutted by a fierce fire is set to re-open after a huge clean up operation.

Heather Miller, from Larkfield, was devastated after Helping Hands — the community hub she opened in Kilblain Street two years ago — was ravaged in a blaze which was started deliberately outside the premises earlier this month.

But against all the odds, Heather hopes to re-open next week.

Although the facility will not immediately be back at full capacity, Heather is just delighted it is back in business.

She said: "We're working hard to get up and running again.

"We won't be at 100 per cent for a while but hopefully if all goes well we will be back in business next week.

"I really need to thank my family for their massive support and also the boys from Clearance Crew for all their help.

"I don't think I'd have made it through this without them.

"I also want to thank everyone for their lovely messages - I appreciate every one of them."

Heather says the damage caused to the shop was serious but the extent of it was not as bad as first feared.

She added: "We have been quite lucky.

"It's not as bad as we thought."

Former charity shop manager Heather launched Helping Hands back in 2016 to help prevent local people ‘falling through the gaps’ of support agencies.

Since then she has been rushed off her feet with individuals and families looking for furniture and white goods at affordable prices.

Donations to restock the premises are welcome and anyone who would would like items uplifted for free should text or call 07511469244.