The mini-chopper was flown high above the burning building in Southleigh Road to relay live footage so fire crews could tackle the blaze more efficiently.

More than 70 firefighters from across the south of Hampshire were called in to the incident on Sunday at 5am.

The converted barn is home to Stephen Anthony Design Ltd, which makes bedroom furniture, cabinets and kitchen worktops.

With the help of the helicopter, firefighters managed to save half the building, including the machine shop and showroom, but the offices and assembling area were both destroyed.

"This was a large-scale incident and the crews have worked very hard to get the fire under control and to save the rest of the building and the surrounding buildings.

"That wouldn't have happened but for the tireless efforts of the crews and the early work by the initial crew on the scene, who went above and beyond what is expected of them to make a really effective start to our operations."

The fire started in the paint and varnish store of the two-storey L-shaped building, which set off an automatic alarm.

By 10am the incident was under control but firefighters stayed on the scene until 3.30pm to make sure it was safe.

Fire-investigation officers are still sifting through the wreckage to identify a cause.

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