Fire and rescue crews have been praised for saving guests and staff from a blaze at Gloucester's 15th Century New Inn.

Work by the crew limited damage at the Grade One historic timber-framed former coaching house, now hotel and pub, and looks to have saved one of the nation's best-kept secrets.

It is understood 50 guests were evacuated with two needing assistance from fire officers and everyone relocated to The Station Hotel and The New County Inn.

Andy Hermiston, deputy chief fire officer said: "This was a large fire in one of Gloucester's oldest buildings; our crews did a brilliant job and tackling it quickly and safely. At the moment the investigations into cause are still ongoing."

He was not the only one praising the work of the fire crews.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, a spokesperson Fire & Rescue at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "It came as a shock to hear that one of Gloucester's historic buildings, the New Inn had been ablaze in the early hours of this morning.

"Thankfully, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service were swiftly on scene with ten fire engines. Our firefighters did a brilliant job in saving the New Inn and I understand that just 20 per cent of the building was damaged."

Cllr Paul James, leader of the city council, Tweeted: "Very sad to learn of the fire at @TheNewInn4. Most importantly everyone is safe. Hope the damaged parts can be sensitively restored and it quickly goes back to being a vibrant venue in the city."

Mr Hilton added: "I have asked to receive a full incident report on the causes of the fire and the damage done. I hope that the fire damaged part of the New Inn can be restored reasonably quickly."

Crews were called in the early hours of Monday morning (7/5/18) to The New Inn on Northgate Street.

It is believed alarms went off at the building at 1,01am with the fire service on the scene in just seven minutes.

In total 10 fire engines and an aerial ladder were used to tackle the blaze with crews leaving the scene at 05:52 am.

In the early stages of the fight to tackle the fire Northgate and Southgate Street were closed and Great Western Power switched off all gas and electric to the property.

It is believed damage was limited to just 20 per cent of the building with the blaze started on the ground floor and spreading through three stories building to the roof.

Investigations are believed to be continuing at the scene.