Jobs at a south Wales furniture factory gutted by fire have been secured after managers confirmed a deal for a new site on Wednesday.

Production at the Universal Furniture in Aberdare, which employs about 100 people, had been on hold since the blaze last month.

We have started stripping out the new building which has been used as a factory before Mark Symes, Universal Furniture

Bosses at the firm have said they expect to complete the first order after the fire next week.

The new premises is smaller than the previous site and 25 administrative staff will have to continue working from a hotel in Hirwaun until further notice.

Mark Symes, managing director of the company, said: "It is not the same size as the site we had before but it is a start.

"Everyone is going to have to be flexible because we can't fit everyone in at the same time.

The firm lost all of its stock, worth �2.5m, in the blaze but bosses have said they are hopeful for the future.

The firm is unable to use its old site

"We have started stripping out the new building which has been used as a factory before," said Mr Symes.

"We are hoping to start shipment from Friday next week."

The firm have bought Unit 2 of Robertstown Industrial Estate - which is adjacent to the old premises.

Major employer

The new building only has room for the furniture side of the business.

Administration staff will remain in the hotel until either an extension is built or other standalone premises are found.

Mr Symes said the two units had given them 10 acres of land and the possibility of future expansion.

Universal Furniture has been a major employer in Aberdare for more than 20 years, and makes furniture for major retailers including Allders and Harveys.

South Wales Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze.