THERAPIST Helen Lawson feared her livelihood had gone up in flames when arsonists struck a year ago.

But 12 months later, business is booming – thanks to a specially-built lodge in her back garden.

The 40-year-old and sister Vanessa Grieve had dreamt of having their own salon since childhood and built up a strong customer base at Heavenly Hair and Hypnosis in Longton.

The Market Street salon, which opened in 2006 and offered holistic healing and hairdressing, was booked up months in advance.

But the business was destroyed in the vandal attack on January 6, 2008.

However, Helen said she was determined to make sure customers were not let down.

She said: "The police said someone had tipped something like a petrol bomb through the letter box and it had exploded.

"The salon was destroyed and I was devastated, but all I could think about were the Christmas vouchers and customers who needed me.

"I got hold of nearly 400 clients and some said they had vouchers outstanding, so I said come to my house.

"It just took off and people loved coming to my house and felt very relaxed, so I asked my boyfriend if he could build something like a healing lodge in my back garden."

Helen held sessions in the conservatory of their Werrington home, while her 41-year-old partner, Chris Lewis, started building the garden lodge, which opened in August.

The lodge is used for hypnotherapy, reiki healing, hopi ear candles, tarot reading, crystal healing and other therapies.

Helen added: "It was due to the customers needing me that I had the willpower to do this.

"We have transformed an awful thing into something good."

Following the arson attack, Vanessa finished her hairdressing business and now works in a Stone warehouse.

The 37-year-old, from Dresden, is delighted her sister's business is doing well, but angry at the way the fire devastated her life.

"I lost my home because of the arson attack," she said.

"I am the one who took it worst. Helen has gone her own way.

"I could not do anything as I had no money.

"I am over the moon for Helen.

"But I am still angry and bitter about the devastation the fire caused me and that somebody could do something like that to us.

"I want to know who caused it to give me a bit of closure."

Police investigating the fire have made no arrests.