A homeware and furniture shop destroyed by fire has completed its rise from the ashes with an award.

The Loft in Broad Street, Teddington, was named this year’s London independent gift retailer of the year after being nominated by loyal suppliers.

Firefighters smashed their way into the shop after a blaze broke out in October 2011.

The fire, believed to be caused by an electrical fault, destroyed the shop’s Christmas stock and forced it to shut for four months, losing out on festive trade.

Store manager Jenny Johnson, 28, said they only found out they were in the running for the competition when they received a letter saying the shop had made it to the final five.

She said: “We didn’t know until we got a letter saying we were in the final five. It was a great surprise, especially after the fire.

“They came and checked out all the shops and stuff and we had to meet a critique.”

The Loft will celebrate being open for 10 years in October and the team received the award at a ceremony in the Savoy on Thursday, May 9.