Fylde coast crews called to help with blaze at 19th century hall

One person who was in the property at the time of the fire managed to escape the blaze.

Fire crews from across the Fylde coast were called to help tackle an inferno at a historic building.

Firefighters from Blackpool, Lytham, and Preesall were among the 70 battling flames at the 19th century Alston Hall in Longridge, which was engulfed shortly before 11pm on Wednesday.

Damage to the Grade II listed hall is thought to be significant after the roof collapsed and much of the interior was gutted, although stone work may still be intact.

Alston Hall, designed by architect Alfred Darbyshire, was built between 1874-76 for colliery owner John Mercer.

It remained a family home until 1949 when it was sold to Preston Council for use as a Day Continuation College.

In 1974, the hall was bought by the county council which converted it to a training centre but was sold last year.