Forty fire crews called to blaze at country estate

More than 40 firefighters have been tackling a large blaze at the Mount Edgcumbe country estate near Plymouth.

The fire in a converted former stables block at the south east Cornwall estate created a plume of smoke which could be seen in Plymouth across the River Tamar.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, which was called just after 16:00 GMT, said on arrival crews found the roof was well alight.

Extra appliances were despatched from Plymouth to help bring the blaze under control.

Firefighters said they were making good progress and no-one was believed to have been injured.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Grade II listed Mount Edgcumbe House has Grade I listed gardens and the estate has more than 50 Grade II and II* listed structures.

The country park covers 865 acres of the Rame Peninsula and the house was built nearly 100 years before the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth to America in 1620.

The estate is now jointly owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council.

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