Wedding venue extensively damaged by fire

A fire has caused extensive damage to a wedding and holiday venue.

The fire at Holly House on the Worsted Estate, Smallburgh, Norfolk, broke out at about midnight, according to a post by the estate team.

It said "there was no one in the property, and no casualties" but the fire had "spread throughout the accommodation, sparing only the farm office at the rear of the property".

Holly House director, Gavin Paterson, would not comment on how many forthcoming weddings or bookings might be impacted.

However, the estate's statement added: "We will contact those with bookings as soon as we can."

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was called to the blaze in Church Road at 02:35 BST. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Mr Patterson praised the "fantastic" fire service response and added that "no one was injured".

The fire service said crews from nine stations attended the fire and staff remain at the scene damping down and checking for potential hot spots that might reignite.

At one point during the fire residents nearby were advised to keep doors and windows shut - due to smoke - which the fire service said had now dissipated.

Motorists and residents were advised to continue to avoid the area of Church Road.

Images taken by a BBC reporter showed the roof of the building to be completely gutted.

Norfolk Police said: "Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are leading. A cordon is in place around the property and our officers remain on scene while investigations are carried out to determine the cause of the fire."

Wildcraft Brewery, which is based on the 300-acre private Worsted Estate, confirmed it had not been affected by the fire.

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