PRODUCTION is back up and running at a firm less than two weeks after a fire gutted the premises.

Yesterday, workers sent out the first delivery since the blaze at Katell, in Millennium Way, Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate.

The fire, in the early hours of Saturday, July 29, happened during the firm's two week annual shutdown. No one was hurt in the incident.

The production and storage areas were completely gutted, but firefighters were able to save an office block containing vital production records.

Now the factory, which produces fire surrounds, is operating from temporary premises in nearby Whitworth Lane.

The company, which employed about 50 people, has had to shed half the workforce but bosses say they are hoping to take them back on.

Commercial director Dave Nelson said: "It's a real credit to the lads who have worked really hard to get things turned round.

"We're not up to full strength but we have 19 lads back at work from various different departments.

"We hope to bring the others back as and when they are needed."

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown but an investigation by the County Durham and Darlington Fire Rescue Service is ongoing.