Fire crews battled to save an ancient cottage owned by the National Trust.

More than 40 firefighters were called when flames took hold of the thatched roof at Wayside Cottage, Chapel Road, South Leigh.

The fire is believed to have been started by sparks from the chimney last night.

The tenant, Mimi Carter-Jonas, raised the alarm. Firemen pulled down a large amount of thatch to contain the fire and kept a watch overnight.

The cottage dates back in parts to the 13th century and was bought for preservation by the National Trust in 1937. A woman who was brought up in the cottage, Phyllis Broome, said today: "It is one of the oldest properties in the village, a magical place, and was my family home.

"Our family lived there for almost 60 years and it is so sad that a lot of the thatched roof has gone.

"I understand Mimi was putting her little boy to bed when she noticed the sparks and called out the fire brigade."

No-one was injured and fire crews, using ladders and breathing apparatus, managed to limit the damage. Shuttles had to be used to ensure a constant supply of water.

About half the roof was destroyed and the interior of the cottage suffered smoke and water damage.

Story date: Monday 01 March

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.