CPW boss Mike Hodgson has vowed the company will be back on its feet within weeks and fully operational again by early October.

More than 150 fire-fighters from three counties fought a raging inferno after fire engulfed the 160,000 sq ft building, at Rye Harbour Road at 5.30am last Thursday.

It took more than 12 hours to bring under control and an investigation into how it started is still ongoing.

The building was left gutted but, incredibly, two workshops on the site were unscathed and some of the 55 strong work-force returned on Monday.

Others re-located to nearby Rye Wharf where owner Rod Chapman came to the rescue, offering 22,000 sq ft of factory floor, as well as office space.

The firm's fleet of 13 vehicles were undamaged and staff managed to save the computer server, which contains vital data and orders.

CPW director Mike Hodgson heaped praise on firefighters and said: "We would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the emergency services, but especially to the fire and rescue services, for all their valiant efforts to save our premises from the terrible fire that engulfed it.

"Whilst we are all devastated at the loss we have suffered, we will be eternally thankful that there was no loss of life or serious injury to anyone involved.

See today's Rye Observer for the full story and more dramatic pictures of the fire.