18th-century cottage devastated in fire

Victoria LeggettA beautiful 18th-century thatched cottage was devastated by fire on Saturday night.More than 40 fire fighters from eight Norfolk crews spent all night fighting the blaze which began at about 5pm on Mill Road, Dilham, near North Walsham.Victoria Leggett

A beautiful 18th-century thatched cottage was devastated by fire on Saturday night.

More than 40 fire fighters from 10 Norfolk crews spent all night fighting the blaze which began at about 5pm on Mill Road, Dilham, near North Walsham.

The owners, who have lived there for more than 20 years, had been getting ready for a meal with friends when they noticed smoke billowing from the building's thatched roof.

The first floor of the home was gutted as well as the kitchen on the ground floor.

The fire service and a structural engineer are visiting the site today to look at whether it is safe to enter the building.