FIREFIGHTERS from crews across North Devon battled to control a thatched cottage fire for nearly five hours on Saturday.

Half of the roof of West Fishleigh Farm, in Fishleigh was damaged in the fire, but firefighters managed to rescue a number of antique and valuable paintings from inside the detached property.

No one was hurt during the fire which started at around 2.30pm, and was out by 7.20pm.

Firefighters from Hatherleigh, Okehampton, North Tawton, Torrington, Chulmleigh, Holsworthy, Bideford, Barnstaple, Exeter, Tavistock and Ilfracombe were at the scene.

Western Power were attended to isolate the power supply to the property, and police closed the road next the home.

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