A CARPET shop was almost destroyed in the second major blaze to hit Helmsley in just three days.

The store is next to the Old Meeting House arts venue that suffered severe damage in another fire earlier this week.

But fire investigators last night ruled out any connection between the two incidents.

"We have worked closely with the police and we are satisfied the shop fire was caused by a defective light fitting," said a fire brigade spokesman.

The carpet shop, Spoilt for Choice, has been operating since 1987, but has been devastated by the blaze. Much of the stock was destroyed, and the building suffered 80 per cent fire damage, although it is thought to be still structurally sound.

Distraught shop owner Glennis Wilshire said: "I don't know what I am going to do now."