FIRE crews were called to a blaze in a thatched property in Bratton Clovelly on Saturday evening.

Eight fire crews were mobilised initially at 5.43pm, and a further two were called for compressed air foam. Also called for was an aerial platform, water carrier and the incident command unit.

The two-storey cottage was well alight with the entire thatched roof and first floor involved in the fire.

Just after 9pm the crews had been reduced to five, who were dampening down and cutting away. A building control officer was called to assess the safety of the building and the Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service attended to assist the occupants of the property.

Crews continued until 5.20am the following day to put out the fire.

The roof and first floor of the property were left severely damaged by the fire and the ground floor sustained water damage.