CAFE owners who saw their Rubery business destroyed by a fire have been handed an early Christmas present after re-opening.

Eight businesses were forced to close in October after a fire caused by an electrical fault at Father’s Barn Market in New Road, which cost thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Only two businesses have been able to trade since with site landlord Ian Robinson admitting it would be "difficult" for the rest of the market to re-open in time for Christmas.

Yet one business, Signpost Cafe, has now risen from the ashes with a relaunch and ribbon cutting on Monday, December 5, returning with an almost identical design.

Annette Taylor, who has run the cafe with business partner Emma Forsythe since June 2015, said: "Unfortunately we had this fire hiccup but we are fighters and have come back.

"It has been nearly seven weeks and taken a lot of hard work. We hoped it would be two weeks to sort but we had a few issues with a gas pipe and gas metre so that set us back.

"We have had loads of help from family and friends who have supported us.

"It has been a long hard slog but we remained positive throughout and we are delighted to open back for our customers.

"It has been really nice to know that everyone has been supporting us too."