Workers hoist the joists at fire-hit pub

A GIANT crane removes much of the internal structure of the historic building on Victoria Street which was destroyed by fire in December 2008.

Specialist workers attached chains to the joists of what was once the floor of the Irish theme pub Finnegan's Wake – which occupies a third of the site – to remove them through the building's roof space.

The work was a massive step forward in the regeneration of the building, which is also home to the Liquid Room nightclub and Khushi's Indian restaurant, where the fire started in its kitchen.

Plans are now under way to replace the roof within two months.