Community shop which was badly damaged in a deliberate fire has risen from the ashes

Heather Miller, from Larkfield, was left devastated after Helping Hands - the community hub she opened in Kilblain Street two years ago - was gutted in a blaze which started outside the premises back in January.

Heather has now re-opened the community hub, much to the delight of the her loyal customers.

She said: "It was hard, as for months I didn't know if I was going to open again.

"We lost everything in the fire.

"We had to start from nothing again.

"I was crying the first time I put the key back in the door.

"It was really emotional at our official opening on Saturday."

Former charity shop manager Heather launched Helping Hands back in 2016 as she believed local people were ‘falling through the gaps’ of support agencies.

One of her first initiatives was to team up with Inverclyde Foodbank to ensure that anyone with a referral would get what they need for free.

After the fire, Heather initially said she felt angry about what happened.

But she says the amazing support she received from her customers, family and friends has kept her going.

She said: "I was angry for a long time about what happened but I had to stay positive.

"I couldn't do this without the help and support of the customers and the public, they have enabled me to open again.

"Without their support I couldn't do my job, it would not be possible."

Heather, 48, a mum-of-four, is particularly keen to thank Abacus Slaters and Builders for all their help as well as Stewart Centre.