VILLAGERS looked on in horror as a devastating fire gutted the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, one of Britain's most historic pubs and the heart of a tight-knit community.

The cause of the fire that swept through the grade-one listed pub last Friday lunchtime is still not known but it is thought it started on an area of thatched roof before spreading throughout the building.

Dozens of firefighters from across The Vale and the North Cotswolds fought to control the fire, which has destroyed many of the antiques and artefacts that made the Fleece world famous. Staff of the National Trust-owned pub did manage to save its pewter collection and some furniture before the fire became too intense.

Many of the villagers were in tears as the pub burned. Local district councillor George Bourne rushed to the scene. "I have so many happy memories of this place - I am absolutely devastated," he said. "It is probably the worst thing that has ever happened in this village."

Leading fire fighter Stuart Dillingham said his Evesham crew were the first on the scene shortly after 12 noon and stayed until about 5.30pm. "When we arrived the thatch area was on fire and it quickly spread along the roof, which made things quite difficult.

"The crew were all a bit shocked that such a familiar old building was on fire."

Fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing. "There is no question of it being suspicious," he said. He added that the whole of the first floor and the roof were destroyed along with 20 per cent of the ground floor and that firefighters took three hours to control the blaze.

Barman James Everall, aged 22, helped remove some of the antiques from the stricken building. "I got here about 12 and there was a tiny flame near the chimney where the thatched area meets the main building. All of a sudden it just caught and spread across the building."

Linda Smith said that although she had only lived in the village for about one year the pub had already become an important part of her life. "It is so much more than just a pub, it is like a second home for everyone in the village. It has got to be resurrected - it is the heart of Bretforton."

Colin Jelfs, who organises charity events at the pub such as asparagus auctions, said he had used the pub all his life. "I cannot believe it, I am absolutely devastated. We now need to look to the National Trust and rally round as a community. I know Bretforton people and I know, somehow, that The Fleece will be back."