A hairdresser is excited to finally re-open her shop after a blaze destroyed the roof and damaged the inside, forcing her to close the business.

Violeta Skupiere has owned Violets in Preston Road, Harrow, for six years, and has been working hard to repair the damage since the hairdressers caught alight on August 11 this year.

Ten fire crews were called to tackle the fire that has spread across a parade of shops on Preston Road.  

Fire crews were joined by 81 firefighters and 12 fire engines, who tackled the almost five-hour blaze.

One of the nearby flats was gutted by the fire and one person who left the building before the fire crews arrives was taken to hospital.

The fire also closed the road as well as Preston tube station, as the fire was close to the tracks.

It was believed that the fire was caused by discarded smoking materials.

The fire was extinguished by 12.07am on August 13. 

Ms Skupiere said: "I was on holiday when the fire happened and when I came back and saw the damage I was devastated. I was in shock for a week. The roof was damaged, there was water damage, so we had to close.

“We are close to Preston Road underground station, meaning no one could work on the roof until night time, around 3-5am every morning.  

“It has taken a long time to repair the damage, as the walls were covered in mould. We want to open in time for Christmas, we have lost some customers and we want to bring them back.”

The hairdressers has been closed ever since, and Ms Skupiere and her family have been working hard to repair the damage.  

Violets will re-open this Thursday December 8 and Ms Skupiere is extending a welcome to people in the community to join her on the day.