We're back in business is the roar from staff at the New World Inn, the Brentwood hotel which was devastated by fire more than 18 months ago.

More than £3m has been spent rebuilding and revamping the hotel in Great Warley Street which has now reopened its doors to customers and guests.

And already it has been met with a positive response building to a bumper festive period.

Happy now - Assistant manager, Richard Hughes, outside the newly opened hotel

Assistant Manager, Richard Hughes, 18, said: "We have only been open for a few days but already we have had a number of guests stay with us and they have been impressed with all the work.

"And we have had a great reaction for Christmas and nearly all our dinner and dance dates have been filled so that will certainly be a great way to get back into the swing of things."

Two extensions mean the hotel has twice as many rooms with 80 on offer, there is a larger dining area, which can cater an extra 100 people, there is a new function room and refurbished study and bar.

And the finishing touches are being put on an outdoor garden area which Mr Hughes believes will be popular with those holding wedding receptions at the venue.

He added: "We are also hoping to get a wedding license for the New World Inn.

"A lot of people ask if we have one and we think it would be a popular move."

The fire was caused by an electrical fault in the roof and destroyed all 42 rooms, the roof and the top floor.

It took firefighters six hours to bring the blaze under control.

Published Friday November 8, 2002