ONE of Leigh's most respected businesses will stay open despite being badly damaged by fire.

The owner of The Bed Shop in Railway Road, Leigh, insist it will be business as usual as the big clear-up continues following an early morning blaze last Friday.

The rear of the building was badly damaged in the blaze while the showroom was affected by smoke.

Owner Denis O'Halloran said: "We've been trading here for 22 years and this is the first time anything like this has happened. It's a blow but we'll be carrying on as normal. All the stock will be replaced and it will be business as usual.

"I have a good team of people working here and they've all pulled together magificently in what has been a trying time. I've got to thank our near neighbours in Organ Street. As well as allowing us to use their electricity, they've supplied the authorities with some useful evidence."

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.