A HAMPSHIRE hotel is back in business just over a year since it was struck by a bolt of lightning.

The 124-room Holiday Inn at Titchfield was struck by a violent electrical storm. Its timber roof frame burst into flames and in the drama 30 guests, mainy in swim gear, had to flee.

In the inferno the bar, reception and function rooms were destroyed. However, from the ashes has risen new facilities created by £1.5m major makeover.

Yesterday it was all smiles as leading members of the community joined hotel staff to celebrate the grand re-opening.

Leading the celebrations was 37-year-old Laura Roberts, the four star hotel's general manager, who said: "The fire was heartbreaking to watch. We are a little family here and witnessing the fire was like seeing our homes burn.

"It was very emotional but everybody has such wonderful pride in the new facilities. We are all so excited about the new place."

In the aftermath of the blaze Laura, a New Zealander, drew on her 20 years' experience in the hotel industry to galvanise the team to try and pick up the pieces and keep the business going.

She and a small team of colleagues set up offices in hotel rooms and began the long job of bringing the hotel back to life.

Laura turned from managing a hotel to dealing with designers, architects, builders, decorators and landscape gardeners.

The hotel's wedding and events manager Debbie Price had the huge task of re-arranging 29 weddings that were in danger of going up in smoke when the thunderbolt hit the hotel.

Debbie had only just said goodbye to a bride who was due to have her wedding at the hotel the next day when the lightning struck.

Describing how the fire took hold, she said: "There was torrential rain outside and I was helping another guest when suddenly we could smell smoke.

"Smoke started billowing through the hotel within ten minutes and we had to evacuate."

Debbie, 41, who has worked at the hotel for ten years, was used to calming the nerves of anxious brides but said: "I never expected to have to break the news to a bride that her wedding had just gone up in smoke."

Undeterred, Debbie and her team rearranged for the wedding to be held the next day at a sister hotel in Portsmouth.

Debbie had to find a venue, 0 and wedding cake in less than 24 hours.