A FAMILY bakery firm is celebrating success in the industry's major awards just months after fire destroyed its headquarters.

Peters Bakery won the Business Solutions Award at the Baking Industry Gala Dinner, held in London.

Police are still investigating April's suspected arson attack on the company's Durham City base.

After the blaze, the firm had to close its shops across the North-East for a month until it was able to resume production in temporary premises in Peterlee, east Durham.

Alan Dixon, the firm's sales development manager, received the award from television newsreader Fiona Bruce.

The accolade was awarded in recognition of the firm's efforts to attract customers by refurbishing its 71 shops, a programme of work that was disrupted by April's blaze.

Peters beat off hundreds of other entries to secure the success.

Sylvia MacDonald, editor of British Baker magazine, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for both Alan and the whole Peters Bakery team.

"The shops now enjoy a brighter, less formal atmosphere, designed to encourage younger people both to shop and work in Peters."

Mr Dixon said: "The award is recognition by our peers in the industry of the huge amount of work done by the whole team, which has changed the whole perception of Peters and what we have to offer. I'm naturally delighted to accept it on their behalf.

"The refurbishment programme was put on temporary hold following the fire, but we're now back on track to not only complete the remaining shops, but also introduce even more products and choice for our customers.''

The company is due to start the £3.5m rebuilding of its bakery, at Dragonville, Durham, in the next few weeks.