GUESTS staying at a historic Cheshire castle had to be evacuated after a major blaze broke out overnight.
Around 100 fire fighters and more than 20 fire engines were called to Peckforton Castle near Tarporley after the fire broke out in one of the wings early this morning (Sunday, June 19).
Around 70 guests at the hotel were safely evacuated by staff and there have been no reported injuries.
The fire service was called out just before 5am to reports of the blaze at the isolated premises off Stone House Lane.
Appliances from Tarporley and Malpas were first at the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus began fighting the fire. Further appliances were then sent from Nantwich, Chester, Ellesemere Port and Crewe while a hydraulic platform, high volume pump and the major incident command unit were also sent.
Further appliances were also sent from neighbouring fire and rescue services including Merseyside, Shropshire and North Wales. Crews were later able to surround the fire despite having to deal with a complex layout in the castle wing.
More details to follow later today.
