A FISH and chip shop which has risen from the ashes after been badly damaged in a fire last year is ready to re-open its doors.

Barkers of Richmond, based in a Georgian grade II listed building, has undergone major renovation works since the fire last May.

The business has expanded its first floor restaurant in the rebuild to now hold 50 people and it is to take on local staff.

Barkers will reopen on Monday, May 11, with a ground floor take-away cafe section too.

Owner Karl Moore said: "A lot of hard work has gone into the past 11 months of refurbishing the building and getting Barkers ready for business.

"We have been able to increase the seating capacity in the first floor and customers can expect the same high quality food and service they have always received.

"It is very exciting to finally be able to reopen and welcome our customers back through the doors."

Fire crews were sent to Barkers, in Trinity Church Square, on May 14 to fight a blaze caused by an electrical fire.

Barkers will open daily from 9.30am daily for snacks, with the restaurant and cafe open from 11am until 8.30pm and with takeaways from 11am to 11pm.