Work has started and a date has been set for the reopening of an historic Mylor pub, which was ravaged by fire earlier this year.

The roof of the 13th century Pandora Inn caught fire in March when a suspected chimney blaze spread into the surrounding thatch.

More than 35 firefighters were called to the scene, on March 24, but after several hours of burning the roof collapsed and the entire top floor was destroyed.

In the months that followed the gutted building, which is owned by St Austell Brewery, was cleared of all debris and a protective plastic wrapping now shrouds the remaining structure to keep the weather out.

John Milan, tenant at the pub, said: “Everyone has been battling with English Heritage and Cornwall Council getting the consent.

“We didn’t really need the consent in a way because it’s going to be rebuilt exactly the same. If we had changed anything there would have been a planning application but because we are keeping it exactly as is then that’s all gone through.”

After getting the green light rebuilding work started in earnest last Monday and is expected to be finished early next year.

Only one real problem reared its head during the consent process, Mr Milan said, when a 17th century chimney pot was declared unfit for use unless its design was changed.

But because this would involve major alterations to the Grade 2* listed building, the owners have instead decided to no longer use that chimney for open fires.

Mr Milan said: “The plan is the work will be finalised by early February and that gives us a month to do the fit out.

“There’s a lot of nautical bric a brac that we took out of there and we are expecting at least four weeks for refurbishment, just in time for a nice early Easter.

“It will be a massive reopening; there will be a big celebration. Everyone’s looking positive, it feels much more positive now.”

The old management team at the Pandora, Steve and Diane Franks, have spent the last few months working in other St Austell pubs but will be returning to the Pandora once work has been completed and are looking forward to moving back into their home, Mr Milan said.

“It’s been difficult for them, I think, with the moving around and they have missed it - but there’s a date now, so suddenly things are looking up.” he said.