A WINCHESTER patisserie will reopen this weekend months after a fire forced its closure.

The Bridge Patisserie and cafe on Bridge Street shut after a fire in the kitchen in September.

Co-owner Phil Campbell - pictured left with carpenter Andy Gibbs, customer Margaret Spence and staff member Moira Windsor - said the fire had led to wrangles with the insurance company which delayed its re-opening.

He said: "It's been very frustrating. We thought we would be shut for a couple of weeks but it has dragged on and on. We have taken the opportunity to make a better use of space.

"We had thought of moving, but the rents in the city centre are five times what we are paying."

The shop has carved out a niche selling French-style baguettes and pastries.

Mr Campbell said: "We are out of the city centre but we have a good following and regular customers."