FIREFIGHTERS have been dealing with a chimney fire at an historic Worcester city centre pub.

Crews were called to The Cardinal’s Hat in Friar Street after the alarm was raised at about 7.40pm yesterday.

The road was closed while a fire engine and the city’s aerial ladder platform unit were set up.

Firecrews used the 32-metre extending ladder platform’s thermal imaging equipment to get a closer look and used chimney rods to deal with the flames.

The fire was out three hours later and the road reopened later in the evening.

Alec Mackie, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said: “We don’t know what started it but to my knowledge there was no damage.“

Staff at the 15th century pub confirmed it was business as usual today.