SPECIALIST firefighters were called in to help shore up a fireplace damaged in a blaze at a pub near Malvern.

Firefighters were alerted to the fire involving a beam above a log burning stove at the Farmers Arms, Birtsmorton, just before 10.30am on Sunday.

Two crews from Ledbury fire station attended the scene, along with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s Urban Search and Rescue unit from Droitwich. The fire was out by 1.15pm and crews made a further inspection at around 6pm as a precautionary measure.

No one was injured during the incident and, while there was only minimal damage to the premises, the owners were advised to consult with structural engineers and conservation officers as the pub is understood to be a listed building.