A MEETING was due to be held today to discuss the future of an historic Worcestershire pub devastated by fire.

Around 50 firefighters attended the blaze, which broke out at The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, near Evesham on Friday.

Most of the thatched roof and the first floor were destroyed, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire.

Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade said the blaze was thought to have been caused by a spark from an open fire, which then ignited in the chimney.

"It's quite possible that's how the fire in the roof started," he said.

A specialist building team, and curator staff from the Trust were today due to discuss ideas on the future of the Fleece.

Evacuated

"At this stage we are assessing the situation," said Christine Doyle, communications and marketing manager for West Midlands National Trust, owners of the pub.

"The meeting is to discuss and plan the way forward.

"We are currently trying to assess the damage and look at reports from our building people and curator staff, as well as the fire inspector's findings.

The 14th Century pub was left to The National Trust in the will of former owner and licensee Lola Taplin in 1978.

The landlord and staff working in the pub evacuated drinkers and tried to put out the fire with a hose, before calling the fire brigade.

Fire engines, pump and special appliances attended from Evesham, Pershore, Chipping Campden, Malvern, Droitwich, Stourport-on-Severn and Bidford-on-Avon.

Around 40 pewter plates, most dating from the early 18th Century, were rescued.