THE Bridge House Hotel in Catterick Bridge, North Yorkshire, has been destroyed by fire overnight.

Six fire crews were called to the building, which is undergoing renovation and is not believed to be occupied, after a series of 999 calls reported flames coming from the roof.

Initially, appliances were dispatched from Colburn and Bedale at 11.15pm last night.

These were quickly increased to six appliances including two from Northallerton, one from Leyburn, and an appliance and aerial ladder platform from Darlington.

The incident was finally scaled down just before 3am.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it is believed that the building, which measures 50m by 30m, has suffered extensive damage.

Appliances from Colburn and Northallerton remain at the scene, with a structural engineer to be scheduled to visit later today.

The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.