A FIRE chief has told how the blaze that gutted Welwyn pub and restaurant The Wellington was tackled. Ten crews from across the county rushed to the scene of the fire, in High Street, in the early hours on Tuesday morning. More than 50 firefighters attend

A FIRE chief has told how the blaze that gutted Welwyn pub and restaurant The Wellington was tackled.

Ten crews from across the county rushed to the scene of the fire, in High Street, in the early hours on Tuesday morning.

More than 50 firefighters attended the inferno at the 14th century coaching inn.

Hertford fire station commander Tony Robinson said: "The occupants of the pub managed to escape safely before we arrived at the scene.

"Our crews worked incredibly hard through the night to try to save as much of this historic building as possible.

"The layout of the building made it harder to reach certain parts, but our firefighters are well trained and have done an excellent job under extremely challenging circumstances."

Firefighters believe an electrical fault caused the blaze, which started in the loft.