THE first trader has returned to work after being affected by the fire which ravaged Northwich Outdoor Market.

John Allen, who ran an egg and pet food stall at the market, was one of the traders to be devastated by Friday’s fire.

But he is now back at work after pitching his stall inside the town’s nearby indoor market.

And he was pictured smiling by Witton Councillor Sam Naylor, obviously happy to be back in business once again.

A Facebook post by Cllr Naylor reads: “Rising from the ashes, the first of the fire affected market traders opens up in the Northwich Indoor Market.

“John Allen gets on with his egg and pet food stall, and all of the other traders are soon to follow suit.

“Northwich resilience and determination in action.”

In the aftermath of the blaze, Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed that outdoor market traders would be able to trade from the town's indoor market.