THE fires that hit the centre Helmsley within a few days of each other were a "complete coincidence", fire chiefs said today.

Residents were stunned when the Spoilt for Choice carpet shop in Bridge Street was severely damaged by a blaze on Thursday night, only two days after a fire at the Old Meeting House next door.

Investigations were launched into the causes of both blazes, but a North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said today that they had brought both their inquiries to a close.

He said the cause in the Old Meeting House incident had been officially set down as "doubtful", adding: "We can't say for definite whether or not it's suspicious."

But an investigating officer had definitely concluded that the shop fire was due to a faulty electric light fitting.

The spokesman said having the two fires so close together in location and time was bizarre, but added: "It's a complete coincidence."

Police were not available for comment.

A performance of Hobson's Choice by York Youth Theatre, due to take place at the Old Meeting House on Thursday, has been cancelled.

All tickets will be valid for a performance at the Memorial Hall in Kirkbymoorside on Friday, and a refund is available from Helmsley Tourist Information Office for anyone who cannot get to the Friday performance.