A MARQUEE hire firm devastated in a suspected £200,000 arson attack will continue business as usual, its boss has pledged.

Robert Gillibrand said Pennine Marquee Hire, based at Lower Ridge Farm, Barrowford, would continue to operate with the help of friends and business colleagues.

Detectives investigating the massive blaze at the farm on Monday are awaiting the results of forensic tests to establish the cause of the fire, which broke out in the early hours.

Mr Gillibrand said: "I lost a lot of equipment in the fire. The good thing is that it's the end of the season so it's a bit quieter.

"The downside was that a lot of the equipment was in storage instead of out being used.

"I certainly intend to fulfil all my existing orders and other firms are rallying round and supplying me with equipment."

The business hires out marquees for a variety of outdoor events, from weddings to large agricultural shows.

Firemen spent 12 hours putting out the blaze and one firefighter from Nelson needed hospital treatment after a wooden beam fell on him.

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