A VALE man is counting the cost this week after fire ripped through an outbuilding destroying historical books, magazines and furniture.

The fire happened last Wednesday evening in South Littleton and smoke from the fire could be seen from Evesham's fire station as crews rushed to the scene.

Householder Olaf Thomassen-Telle, of Bowery House, in Main Street, said: "I was burning leaves and rubbish round the corner of an outbuilding where I keep polystyrene. "It was a small fire and I made sure it was completely burned out. There was nothing left but ash so I can't understand what could have caused it." Mr Thomassen-Telle who has been disabled for 15 years added: "I had lots of books stacked in the building. "Historical books, magazines and furniture my father had bought and now it's all completely gone."

Sub-officer Mel Turbutt from Evesham said: "The fire was well alight when the crews from Evesham and Pebworth arrived. It took about two hours to put it out and police closed the road because we needed to use the hydrant. "We also attended the site again on Thursday morning to check it was safe."

Mr Turbutt said the householder's nearby bonfire probably started the blaze. He said: "This is a warning to people to be careful when lighting bonfires."