Historic pub hit by chimney fire

Firefighters in Devon spent more than 10 hours dealing with a fire in one of the county's oldest pubs.

They were called to a chimney fire at the 12th Century Stag Inn at Rackenford on Saturday afternoon.

The fire spread quickly to the roof of the building as more than 50 firefighters took part in the operation to control the flames.

The pub was evacuated but no-one was injured. Fire crews said they managed to save half of the roof.

East Devon Divisional Fire Commander Mike Holme said the pub should be able to reopen soon.

He said: "The fire damage was restricted to the roof space and one of the areas burnt was due for near thatching in the near future anyway.

"Unfortunately, we have had to put a lot of water in the building, so there will be some damage - but not fire damage - so it's very repairable."