FIREFIGHTERS from Taunton helped tackle a massive manor house blaze yesterday (Monday).

Blue Watch from the county town attended the fire at the Grade II listed Chalmington Manor, near Dorchester.

A 999 call went out at 10.37am and the Taunton firefighters were later called in as part of the relief crew for the aerial appliance.

Dozens of firefighters, including crews from Devon and Somerset bases in Taunton, Yeovil and Crewkerne, attended.

The building suffered significant damage to the roof and much of the second floor, but the ground and first floors were been saved.

Firefighters remained on the scene well into the evening.

An initial fire investigation has concluded that the fire was started by accidental ignition during renovation works.