UP to £500,000 worth of damage has been caused to a Stourport saddlery business in a fire at a town industrial estate.

Firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze at Equimix Feeds & Saddlery on the Sandy Lane trading estate, off Barracks Lane just after 7.30pm on Wednesday last week.

David Doolittle, managing director of the firm, estimated between £250,000 and £500,000 worth of damage had been caused to the units, which included offices and an area where equestrian equipment was sold.

He said: "The offices and unit containing the saddlery have been completely wiped out and is now just a shell. We're still running the feed side of the business, however, and want to reassure our customers that that part, including deliveries, is running as normal.

"We're trying to remain positive though. We've already rented a unit next door to continue in the meantime.

"The staff have been great and are helping with the clean-up operation. We're confident we'll soon properly be up and running and will be bigger and better than ever before."

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue spokesman, Alec Mackie, said no-one was inside as the fire broke out but much of the industrial unit's contents, including the roof, had been severely damaged.

Mr Mackie added: "We are currently investigating what started the fire."