A BUSINESS left in tatters following a ferocious blaze which tore through its premises has risen from the ashes.

One of two buildings home to Stockbridge Tyres was so badly damaged in the inferno, it had to be demolished.

But the firm has bounced back in its adjoining unit, which was re-roofed after it too was affected by the fire.

And company bosses hope to replace the bulldozed structure and even expand the services they offer.

Trade has continued since the night flames ravaged the section of historic Aireworth Mills, Keighley, on June 4, although managing director Bahar Ali admits it has been a struggle.

The whole upper storey of one building and about £30,000 worth of stock was lost, plus there was water damage to some machinery.

“The fire was absolutely devastating and at the time I just didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Mr Ali, 33, who lives in Keighley.

“To see your business go up in flames is beyond words.

“It’s been a difficult few months but we have kept going, although it was hard initially.

“Business has been a bit slow because people have assumed we’re closed.

“But we’ve managed to keep things turning over. We’re still here and looking to the future.”

A container is currently being used to help house stock at the Aireworth Road site.

Mr Ali says his landlord is looking to replace the destroyed unit with a single-storey building, hopefully within the next few months.

“That will give us some space back and enable us to build upon what we do at the moment,” he added.

“For example we will be able to carry out MoTs on site, rather than having to send vehicles elsewhere for testing as we are at present.”

Despite the turmoil of the past few months, the firm – which has been at the premises since 2012 – has managed to retain its four-strong workforce.

Around 70 firefighters from across West Yorkshire tackled the blaze.

Eleven fire engines and two aerial ladders – from stations including Keighley, Silsden, Ilkley, Bingley, Shipley, Idle, Rawdon, Fairweather Green, Bradford and Halifax – attended.

Some crews remained at the scene throughout the night damping down.

They were praised for stopping the flames spreading to other parts of the mill complex, where several businesses are based.

The cause of the fire was never established.