Hole in the Wall owners inundated with offers of help

The owners of an Exeter pub severely damaged in a blaze have been inundated with offers help from business contacts, friends and customers.

George Sloan and his business partner Rob Skinner have spent the last two weeks over seeing a massive clean-up operation.

But they said they had been touched by the amount of support and encouragement they have received, sometimes from complete strangers.

"We've had electricians, plumbers, decorators and even Exeter Chiefs players, many of whom were regulars, offering to help," said George, pictured in one of the burnt out rooms.

"I've been overwhelmed by the kindness people have shown and I'd like to publicly thank them for that."

The fire is believed to have started in a bin outside the pub in the early hours of June 20.

CCTV footage apparently shows someone discarding what is thought to be a cigarette which starts a small fire which took more than an hour to take hold of the building.

George said: "The forensics teams have carried out a thorough investigation and we have spent many hours on the phone to our insurance companies.

"We are still hoping to be open when the students return in September."

George and Rob had spent tens of thousands of pounds renovating the pub, which opened just over a year ago.

They had been targeting upmarket sports fans and regularly showed live sporting events, particulalrly rugby and F1.

However, despite the setback, their other venues, Old Timers and Timepiece have remained open.