FIVE county fire crews were called to a major blaze at a 400-year-old Bradley Green cottage in the early hours of Sunday.

More than 50 firefighters from Redditch, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Malvern and Kidderminster were called to the fire after two Redditch crews arrived at the scene at about 1am and called in extra help.

The Salvation Army, provided refreshments, and the British Red Cross victim support crew was also there.

Sub officer Bob Morris, of Redditch Fire Station, said the cottage roof and first floor were well alight when the crews arrived and one person was asleep downstairs but was unhurt.

A hydraulic platform was deployed from Bromsgrove so crews could remove part of the roof.

"There were three jets, three hose reels and 14 breathing apparatus used, with eight appliances, including the control unit and supporting appliances.

"The fire investigation team is looking in the direction of a gas fire boiler with a faulty flue as the possible cause.

"There doesn't appear to be any suspicious circumstances," he added.

The Bradley Green blaze was one of eight shouts attended by Redditch firefighters over the weekend.

Other incidents included a collision at Evesham Road, Cookhill, and a kitchen fire at Hollowfields Close, Southcrest.