Large fire rips through town hall

Some 10 fire engines tackled the Petersfield Festival Hall fire

Dozens of firefighters are tackling a large fire at a town hall in Hampshire.

The blaze, which began at about 1400 BST, is in the first floor of Petersfield Festival Hall.

About 50 firefighters are at the scene in Heath Road, which has been partly cordoned off by police. No one was reported to be injured.

Eyewitness Michael Finch, who was rehearsing a play in the hall when the fire took hold, said there was "deep smoke pouring out" of the building.

He said he had been told the fire started in a store room.

A fireman prepares to tackle the smoke filled building

"Ironically, I'm the lighting designer of the show that's currently in the hall, Calamity Jane, and of course everyone's stood here wondering whether the show's on or off tonight," he told the BBC.

"We're told it's broken out in a part of the building that is not related to the theatre but I know the aspect of the room concerned and it is actually a costume store, so one wonders if those costumes are safe or have been perished."

About ten fire engines fought the blaze.

The show's organisers said all performances of Calamity Jane at the Festival Hall, Petersfield, have now been cancelled.

People with tickets will be able to receive a refund.