A tanning salon that was destroyed by a fire after only five months of being open has now welcomed back customers.

Flames ripped through the Sunbed Rooms tanning salon in Kendal Avenue, Millbrook, in December last year - with residents in nearby homes forced to evacuate.

Owner Georgina Davie, 48, said the blaze was a huge setback for the business.

Daily Echo: Georgina Davie outside Sunbed Rooms in MillbrookGeorgina Davie outside Sunbed Rooms in Millbrook (Image: NQ)

She added: “It’s scary to be back open – we lost everything when this place burnt. It was absolutely soul-destroying.  

“We worked so hard in 2022 to get the place open. We were away in Thailand having a break after the chaotic year opening the shop and on the first day, we got a call to tell us the salon was in flames.

Daily Echo: The shop interior after the fire has ripped through the buildingThe shop interior after the fire has ripped through the building (Image: Submitted)

“We had just sat down to have a drink on what should have been a relaxing family holiday when suddenly our entire world was just turned upside down.

“It was horrible to be miles away while my salon is in flames, and I can’t do anything."

Georgina said that the forensic investigation after the fire determined the blaze was a total accident that happened by chance – with no one at fault for the fire.

Daily Echo: The scene of the fire back in December 2022The scene of the fire back in December 2022 (Image: Nikolay Fung)

She said: “We had no contractors come in and build this place – every skirting board or painted wall was done by myself, by family or by a friend.

“That is why it felt so personal and heart-wrenching when the place was taken away.

Daily Echo: Georgina Davie and her team at Sunbed Rooms in MillbrookGeorgina Davie and her team at Sunbed Rooms in Millbrook (Image: Submitted)

“We had so many issues with the insurance, but we dug deep, persevered and thankfully – here we are with the salon back open in business.”

READ MORE: Sunbed Rooms in Southampton destroyed in fire

The salon owner said the business now has the challenge of getting customers back through the door when they are completely out of season.

Daily Echo: The tanning salon is urging customers to make use of its new dealThe tanning salon is urging customers to make use of its new deal (Image: NQ)

She added: “March until October we are in full swing whereas now this is our low time. We are opening up when out of season and trying to get as many people in the door as we can.

“That is why we are offering 150 minutes for just £25 to express our gratitude for the continued support we have received from the local community.”