OWNERS of a pet crematorium has been left counting the cost after fire ravaged their premises.

Fire crews were called to Yorkshire Equine and Pet Crematorium at Near Bank in Shelley after the blaze broke out at around 10am yesterday in the rear storage boiler area.

Owner Steph Crowther, 43, who runs the business with her partner Steve Bird, 53, said: “I saw the smoke coming from the building and started shouting to John Webster who works for me, as he was inside the building.

“Fortunately he heard me and came out straightaway but his dog, Rolly, was trapped on the second floor.”

John said: “I ran and got a ladder and was straight up there to get Rolly.

“I just fumbled around in the dark and he came at me. I grabbed his collar and by that time someone had come to the bottom of the ladder so I was able to pass him down.

“He is only a little fella and he didn’t deserve to die.”

Steph added: “It is devastating for the business, but we will stay open by using alternative premises. It’s inconvenient on the one hand but then we are also relieved no one was hurt.”

Crews from Huddersfield, Skelmanthorpe and Holmfirth spent more than seven hours at the site ensuring the fire was brought under control and then thoroughly damped down.