RESIDENTS of flats destroyed in a devastating blaze believed they had lost everything.

But, incredibly, one property owner on Albert Drive has been reunited with his collection of books, which were protected from the building collapse by being tucked into an alcove.

The books have survived both the fire and being exposed to the elements - including sub zero temperatures - for more than a week.

Yesterday demolition experts, who are taking down parts of the building by hand, used a cherry picker to rescue the collection from their shelves.

As our pictures show, the books were carefully protected by workers and brought down to ground level.

The corner section of the tenement building collapsed as a result of a fire that is believed to have started in the Spice Garden shop on Sunday, November 10.

At the height of the blaze, where Albert Drive meets Kenmure Street, around 60 firefighters, nine appliances and two height appliances were sent to the building.

The Pollokshields community rallied round those affected by the fire and those who lost their homes with the local primary school opening its doors the day after to give shelter.

Community activists, including Pollokshields Community Council, rallied round to help gather warm clothes and items for residents.

They have also set up a crowdfunding initiative to help. See www.bit.ly/pollokshieldsfire