TRANENT gym owner Mary Anderson says she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received after her premises were destroyed in a mystery blaze.

Devastated Mary, who owns No Limits Training, was ready to throw in the towel after the fire broke out last month.

But she said support from customers and local people has left her amazed and grateful and determined to get her business back on track.

The gym was one of a number of properties destroyed in an incident at Fenton Barns, near North Berwick, which police have described as “wilful fire-raising”.

Now dedicated weight and power lifters are backing Mary, a multiple strong woman world record holder, with an auction night at Royal Musselburgh Golf Club on Friday, February 10.

Local businesses and individuals have donated a range of prizes and all funds raised will go towards re-establishing the not-for-profit No Limits gym.

Mary said: “We lost pretty much everything in the fire apart from the odd piece of equipment which was salvaged. I had intended giving it all up and just training at the local sports centre, but so many people have rallied round it has been overwhelming.

“Many of the gym regulars said I must carry on and are doing their bit to raise the funds needed to re-open. There have been numerous donations from businesses and individuals and it’s very encouraging that there are so many good people around.”

Royal Musselburgh Golf Club have donated their function suite for free, local group Lost Boys will play a set free of charge, and Prestonpans boxing hero and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Josh Taylor, has donated a pair of signed boxing gloves.

Tickets are priced £10 and more information is available on the gym’s No Limits Training Facebook page.

Police Scotland are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the blaze and anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.