VANDALS believed to be behind a blaze at a York printing firm have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Darren Avey, co-owner of The Max Design And Print Company at Clifton Moor - formerly Maxiprint - said the fire, which started in a wastepaper bin outside, meant several machines worth about £15,000 would probably have to be replaced.

But he said the consequences of the blaze could have been far worse - and praised the swift actions of firefighters who managed to save the premises.

"Obviously we're very fortunate because it could have been a lot worse," he said. "The work that the fire services do is commendable."

Three fire engines were called to the blaze shortly after 3am on Saturday, after reports of a fire at the building in Kettlestring Lane.

A fire service spokesman said the blaze was thought to have been started deliberately. Firefighters found several plastic waste paper bins well alight by the time they arrived, with the blaze spreading to the steel-clad printing works next to them.

Firefighters were forced to smash their way into the smoke-filled building using hydraulic cutters to tackle the flames licking their way inside.

Mr Avey today condemned the young arsonists who were thought to have set the bins alight. "The thing that shocks me most is the mindlessness of anyone who would do it," he said. "Everything else can be replaced. We have to go through the process of repairing everything professionally.

"The shocking bit is, why would anyone do that on a trading estate on a Friday night? There isn't anyone around - what does someone get out of it? I can't understand it."

After the blaze, firefighters warned York businesses not to leave any combustible materials outside their premises, as they were a target for arson attacks.

Acomb Green Watch manager Darren Stonier said such materials should be kept in a secure unit. He said the printing company had only narrowly escaped being much more badly damaged.

Mr Avey said he would now look into keeping his company's waste paper and rubbish in a secure unit to prevent future fires.

"It's good advice, and we will certainly look to following it up in the future," he said.

Updated: 10:12 Monday, August 29, 2005