A NEW training centre for people who install solid fuel and wood burning appliances is set to open in Ripley.

Sure Fire Technical Services will open its centre – the first independent training facility of its kind in the country – on Thursday.

The centre, which has a floor space of 300sq metres, includes a number of wood and multi-fuel appliances.

It also has two internal chimneys for training purposes.

Sure Fire Technical Services is the largest provider of Hetas Training, an industry-recognised course.

Sure Fire's managing director Mick Waumsley said: "There has been a lack of facilities for those wanting to start installing wood burning appliances, as either a beginner or transferring from the gas or oil industry. Within three to four years, we will be able to provide training on the full range of renewable energy products."