Fireplace exposed hole

[rossi_mac]

Hi,

Have recently taken out existing tile 20's/30's fireplace in my sons bedroom (it was heavy! but now being used as raised patio backfill!). I need to get on and deal with the hole, my instinct is to brick/block it up, is that neseccery or can I just put a load of insulation then stud work for plasterboard and obviously a vent?? If bricking/blocking up is best are there any basic rules about what block/brick to use, or does it not matter as it isn't load bearing it's purely to fill the hole?

Thansk in advacne,

Rossi.

[welsh brickie]

bricks are fine,its best if use 100mm galvanized nails to nail into the existing mortar bed, to tie the new brickwork into.Remember to leave 1 brick out for the vent.