DRINKERS and diners were evacuated from a pub near Taunton after a fire broke out this evening.

Firefighters were called to a blaze at the Bird in Hand, North Curry, at about 9.25pm.

Two fire appliances were sent from Taunton Fire Station with a further three engines called from Taunton, Ilminster and Bridgwater.

The fire is believed to have started in the roof and spread to a bar and restaurant areas.

The building was well alight when the brigade arrived and firefighters used two hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze.

At the scene, fire officer Andy Newland told the County Gazette that an investigation had been started into the cause of the fire.

Locals who gathered at the cordon around the scene said the pub had been full when the fire broke out and a barmaid had asked everyone to evacuate the building.

The fire is now out but salvage work is taking place.

You can send us your photos and video clips from the incident.

For the more details, read the County Gazette on Thursday, August 16.