THE owner of an upmarket Aberaeron gift shop which was badly damaged in a lunchtime blaze on Saturday has spoken of her gratitude for the support of the local community.

Karen Geobey, whose business Parsley & Thyme has been a popular fixture in the town since 2006, was ‘devastated’ by the scene in Bridge Street which greeted her on Monday morning.

“The fire was contained to the rear so we’ve lost all our stock back there,” she told the Tivy-Side.

“But thankfully the front part of the business is unaffected – it’s a bloody miracle if you ask me.

“I would like to thank the brilliant fire service who attended as well as everyone from the local shops who brought out drinks and everything and offered to help.

“They have all been absolutely fantastic – there are some very kind people in Aberaeron.

“The fire boys tell me there was nothing suspicious about the fire and that it was caused by accident.

“I can assure all our customers that we are continuing our preparations to re-open on April 12 – assuming businesses such as ours are given the go-ahead by First Minister Mark Drakeford, that is.”

Aberaeron county councillor Elizabeth Evans said: “My heart goes out to Karen, on what was a very traumatic day.

“But she’s picked herself up and dusted herself down and is now focused on being ready to re-open.”

Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue later confirmed the cause of the blaze was accidental.

“The fire was located on the ground floor, to the rear of the property, and was extinguished using two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and a thermal imaging camera,” said a spokesman.

“The property was also ventilated using a positive pressure ventilation fan.

“A female casualty was taken into the care of the Ambulance Service.

“The Police and Western Power were also in attendance.

“The Fire Service left the incident at 04:28pm.”