FOLLOWING fire and water damage a local optician has reopened its doors marked by a visit from Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Andy Canning and his wife, Mayoress Mel Lane, in one of their final engagements before handing over their chains of office to the new Mayor.

The fire, which broke out at a neighbouring retail outlet almost two years ago, forced Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care on South Street to close for 16 months. Now, the branch is finally back, fully refitted with a new layout and an extended range of frames just in time for the summer.

New branch manager, Darren Whiting, has been overjoyed by the welcome local people have shown to him and his team. He said: "This branch in the heart of Dorchester had been closed for a long time, so we are delighted to see our customers, old and new, returning to us for their eye and hearing care needs. The feedback and support we have received has been truly heartwarming.

"We are also honoured that the Mayor and Mayoress have chosen us for this special occasion."

The sentiment was echoed by the town's outgoing civic leader.

The Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Canning said: "We are delighted to see Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care returning to demonstrate its commitment to our town centre by reopening after such a long forced closure. Having a busy high street is essential for any town's long term prosperity and having easily accessible eyesight and hearing care services for local residents is part of that. The branch looks great and I wish Darren and the team the very best for the future."

Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family run business that was established over 85 years ago in 1938. It has 166 high street stores in towns and cities across England and Wales, with 1,000 employees. For more information, visit www.scrivens.com.