A chimney fire broke out in a popular Winchester pub on Wednesday night.

The alarm was raised at the Wykeham Arms at 6.46pm and three fire crews worked until 11.30pm to bring the blaze under control.

The fire spread to the upper floors, but all 30 to 40 customers and staff were evacuated safely. Those arriving for pre-booked tables were turned away.

Firefighters had to use a turntable ladder to get to the fire, because the chimney was so tall.

Sub-officer Dave Graham said: "The pub is very close to other buildings, so we needed to be careful to make sure the fire did not spread."

Staff were working to get the pub open for today (Friday). A spokesman said, "The chimney had recently been cleaned and the fire brigade agreed that there was nothing more we could have done."