Sandwich MP Laura Sandys has paid a visit to the business devastated after fire ripped through its offices.

Forty firefighters from across east Kent were called to OFP Timber Framed Houses on the Sandwich Industrial Estate after someone living nearby noticed the flames.

Crews worked in foul weather early in the morning on December 12 to stop the blaze engulfing the workshop, but the office was completely destroyed.

Laura Sandy said: ""The news of the fire came as a real shock and I am dreadfully sorry for the management and staff.

"I wanted to pay a visit to meet with the staff and see the fire damage for myself. It is remarkable that while the whole of the office area has been destroyed, it is business as usual and the staff have really rallied together to ensure that there is minimal disruption for clients."

Managing director of the firm Alistair Narraway showed the visiting MP around the site to meet the staff.

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, January 29.