FIRE broke out in a showroom packed with valuable antiques in North Devon today.

The fire at Murch's Antiques Emporium at Umberleigh was discovered by owner Patrick Murch at about 1pm.

He and neighbours tackled the flames using a fire extinguisher and hose reel.

Fire crews from South Molton and Barnstaple were called to the scene.

Officer in charge Darren Homewood, from South Molton fire station, said firefighters used breathing apparatus and hosereels to fight the fire.

The fire started in the ground floor showroom which is packed with valuable antiques.

Initial reports suggest that an electrical fault was to blame.

Firefighters said it was fortunate that the fire had been noticed so quickly.

If the blaze had started during the night the result could have been much worse.

Firefighters said the incident emphasised the need to have smoke alarms and working fire extinguishers.