STAFF at a pub devastated by fire yesterday are hoping to open again as soon as possible.

A roof at the Puriton Inn was destroyed in the blaze which started in an oven in the kitchen.

Firefighters battled the smoke and flames after being called out at around midday, but were unable to prevent the fire spreading to the roof of the two-storey premises.

Crews from Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Nether Stowey, Yeovil and Street attended the incident and the fire was under control shortly after 1pm, with firefighters damping down and cutting away to expose further hot spots.

In a social media post, the Puriton Inn said the pub would be closed "until the clean up has been completed and kitchen assessed".

It added: "The pub will reopen as soon as possible selling drinks and snacks. More updates will follow. Thankfully no-one was injured."

The kitchen will remain closed today, but the landlords hope to be open for drinks - they say they will make an announcement this morning.

The statement added: "Thank you everyone for your messages and support."

*Photos: Burnham-on-Sea Fire Station.