A BOOKSHOP manager was today counting the cost after a fire ripped through his store, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

More than 15 firefighters tackled the blaze at The Works bookshop in the

centre of Worthing shortly after 4 o'clock this morning.

The ground floor of the three-storey building in Montague Street was severely damaged by

the blaze. The storage rooms and offices on the first and second floor suffered smoke damage.

Fire crews from Worthing spent more than an hour bringing the fire under control and making the area safe.

No one was injured in the blaze but shop manager Jamie Knifton today estimated the cost of the fire at considerably more than £60,000.

He said: "We are still trying to assess how much stock has been destroyed and willknow more once we have had a chance to sift through every-thing.

"But apart from the damage to the books and other materials, which could be between £50,000 and £60,000, the whole shop will also have to be completely refurbished, and that will add to the cost."

The Works has been open for two years and is part of a national chain. Executives from the chain were expected to visit the store today to see the damage for themselves.

The shop is expected to be closed for at least two weeks while repairs are carried out.

Fire Investigation experts were checking the store again this morning to establish the cause of the blaze, but police at this stage are not treating it as suspicious.

It is believed the fire may have been started by a faulty heater in the store.

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