A supermarket at Haxby, York, which was targeted by arsonists has reopened after a massive clean-up operation.

The Co-op in Ryedale Court was closed yesterday after a fire was deliberately started at the rear of the store on Monday night.

About a dozen wooden pallets had been piled up behind the shop's back entrance and set alight at about 9.15pm.

The blaze, which took hold in the storeroom and caused smoke damage on the shop floor, has cost the company up to £25,000, including £7,000 worth of damaged food.

Throughout the day yesterday around 30 staff, including managers from other branches, pulled together to totally strip and clean the premises.

It was originally hoped that the store would re-open yesterday afternoon but those plans were abandoned when the scale of the clean-up became apparent.

Last night a specialist company, Rainbow of Harrogate, was brought in to neutralise the smell of smoke and the store was made ready for opening at 8am today.

Just the fresh food counter remains closed but it is due to re-open later in the week.

Peter Ryan, area manager for Co-op, said that some staff had come in on their day off to help clean up, and everyone had given 100 per cent to the task.

He said: "The whole shop has been stripped and cleaned - every can and every shelf.

"We called in Environmental Health in and they have given us a clean bill of health.

"They are satisfied with everything we have done and they are happy that the store reopens.

"We had to turn away a few customers but everyone has been very understanding."

Mr Ryan said it was extremely lucky that someone was not injured in the blaze.

He said: "I just can't understand the mentality of these people.

"Whoever did this has gone to some lengths to start the fire.

"If they could only see what it's taken to get the shop cleaned up and put back - it's just crazy.

"At that time of night there could have still been people in the store.

"Obviously there are the fire exits, but you just never know."

CID officers have been investigating the blaze and scenes of crimes officers also attended.

Updated: 09:06 Wednesday, August 15, 2001