A CHESTER gym has risen from the ashes, thanks to the hard work of its owners and clients.

Bodywork-Pilates was one of about 50 small businesses displaced or disrupted last December.

But owners Nigel and Helen Conway have now relaunched their dedicated pilates and yoga studio in the Old Chapel, Victoria Road.

Helen said: “It’s been a really tough, stressful time. All our specialist equipment is made of wood and metal and, while we weren’t hit by the flames, the water and smoke damage was immense.

“We couldn’t have survived without the support of our clients. They have been amazing, from offering us rooms in their own homes to work in, to letting us store stuff in their garage, to just making tea and letting me weep!

“We are so glad that we can begin to offer a proper service again.”

The new gym boasts a fully equipped reformer studio, two mat work studios, a small personal training space and a therapy room.

Nigel and Helen have created a timetable of more than 20 weekly classes, catering for all abilities.

For more information on Bodyworks-Pilates, visit www.bodywork-pilates.co.uk or call 01244 377 778.