A family-owned cafe in Witney has risen from the ashes after a devastating fire last month.

The fire started in a chip pan in Cafe Bakehouse, High Street, and quickly spread, destroying almost every item in the kitchen.

Three fire engines were called to the scene and High Street was closed for several hours as firefighters battled the blaze.

Two people had to be evacuated by the fire service, but no one was injured.

Although the fire was limited to the cafe’s kitchen area, firefighters had to use fans to clear smoke from neighbouring shops.

Cafe Bakehouse owner Larry Bowes said: “It is like your whole world caving in on you. You cannot see a way out.

“I drove straight into work and found the High Street was closed off and three fire engines were at the scene. It was absolutely devastating.

“But there were only two customers in at the time and, thank God, they got out of the building safely.”

But Mr Bowes said the fire, on August 3, along with the smoke, foam and water damage, had destroyed almost everything in the kitchen.

He said the final cost was not yet known, with the insurance company still investigating, but it was likely to be about £40,000.

Mr Bowes has run the cafe with his wife, Jan, since 2004.