A BUTCHER has pledged to reopen his business -- closed after a massive gas blast -- within the next three months.

Malcolm Carr has thanked his customers for helping him keep a positive attitude and described the devastating explosion as "one of life's downs".

Mr Carr was left devastated after the shop he has owned for 25 years -- Malcolm Carr's Scotch Beef -- was wrecked last November when a gas blast shattered the Blackburn Road business and the flat above it.

The explosion was caused when a gas ring had been left burning on the cooker in the upstairs flat.

But today Mr Carr, aged 48, was said he was still positive and looking forward to the future, despite having lost six months' earnings and missing the busiest time of year over Christmas.

He said: "It would have been easy to sink into a depression, but the support I have received from customers, friends and family has helped me keep an optimistic outlook on the situation."

The last two months have been tied up with legal matters, but building work is due to begin on the premises at the end of the month and he hopes to be back in business by April. He went on: "I'm trying not to get too excited yet because it needs completely rebuilding, so it could take time. But I think I'll be raring to go when it gets near.

"Everyone I have spoken to says they've missed us being there and not just for the meat, but the general banter as well. It's great to know we have that kind of support and although I'm not working at the moment, I know there will be trade to come back to."

During Mr Carr's time out of work he has spent time at home with his two-year-old son Bill.

He said: "Most parents, especially dads, don't get to spent quality time with their children at this age and it's a shame. I have two grown up children and didn't have this opportunity with them, so I feel lucky to have this time and am making the most of it.

"The older you get and the more experience you have of life you learn to take things with a pinch of salt. I am optimistic about the future because of the fantastic support I am getting. This was just one of life's downs."