TRADE is warming up for a wood-burning stove manufacturer in Exeter which is celebrating a sudden rise in sales.

Bosses at Stovax, based on Sowton Industrial Estate, believe recent rises in fuel prices have seen customers go in search of greater efficiency and alternative methods of heating their homes.

And the number of people investigating wood-burning stoves has risen dramatically in recent months.

David Knox said: "We've seen fuel prices rise to unprecedented levels.

"This has certainly contributed to the huge interest from the public for Stovax wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves as more and more people start to realise how they can benefit from the associated heating cost savings and from using carbon-neutral, renewable energy."

Recent amendments to laws regulating what fuel can be burned in built-up areas have also helped business.

Anyone living in urban and industrial areas can now use untreated, dry wood as heating fuel, as well as smokeless fuels.

However, burning wood treated with preservatives and coatings, containing heavy metals or other toxic chemicals and contaminants, is still prohibited.

With rapid increases in the prices of gas, oil and electricity, there has been a considerable renewed interest in wood-burning, which customers believe to be the cheapest and most eco- friendly form of heating.

But as demand has risen, the lead times have stretched out to as long as 18 weeks with some manufacturers.

Mr Knox said: "Stocks of some lines are diminishing, with the possibility that certain models may not now be available until early next year.

"We had planned for a modest increase in production and had put in place plans and staff to take care of it.

"But we have been pleasantly surprised with the exceptional increase in demand and have been working hard to satisfy customers in the UK and Europe.

"Although we have no immediate plans for additional recruitment, the market is changing from week to week."

While it's good news for Stovax, there's also good news for the consumer.

As the Government is now extremely supportive of wood- burning stoves, householders can apply for Low Carbon Building Grants at www.low carbonbuildings.org.uk of up to £2,500 per property towards the cost of installing a certified product by a HETAS certified installer.