A popular North East fish and chip shop has reopened two weeks after it sustained fire and smoke damage.

Verrills Fish Shop in Hartlepool reopened this Monday (April 24) after a fire on Easter Saturday (April 8) caused the takeaway's closure.

The store's rear stock room had sustained fire and smoke damage in the incident which saw Cleveland Fire Brigade attend shortly before 5am.

Read more: Fire breaks out at Verrills Fish Shop in Hartlepool

The shop's staff said they were able to reopen the location after pulling 15 hour shifts for two weeks and receiving lots of help and support.

In a social media post, a Verrills Fish Shop spokesperson said: "Verrills Fish Shop would like to let everyone know as from Monday, we will be back open after a mad two weeks of working 15 hour days and loads of help and support.

"We have finally got the shop finished and ready to serve you all fish and chips and ice cream again.

"Thank you for all your support over the last 29 years, hopefully many more to come."

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Residents reacted to the news of the shop's reopening online with a mixture of excitement and relief.

One delighted resident said: "Great news, I bet you’re all knackered!

"Fantastic effort getting back open so quickly. Looking forward to some of those fantastic Cod bites!"

Another relieved resident said: "Hope you're very busy to make up for your losses.

"Glad everyone's ok and good to see you'll be back up and running."

Adding to this, one happy residents said: "Aww, over the moon for you, best fishy ever!"

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CFB confirmed earlier this month two appliances from Hartlepool Fire Station attended the incident.

A CFB spokesperson said the fire service deployed two breathing apparatus, one hose reel, and positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

They said the last appliance left the property at 6:10am after extinguishing the fire.