HASLEMERE fire fighters joined fire crews from Hampshire and Surrey this morning (Jan 24)to battle a blaze that caused extensive damage to a wedding venue in Hambledon.

Two people were taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting with “potentially serious injuries” as a result of the fire at Hambledon House in Vann Lane.

One was rescued by firefighters and the other got out of the building unaided.

Eight fire engines, an aerial platform and a water carrier, together with two South East Coast ambulances and two paramedic cars, raced to the scene following an emergency callout at 9.30am.

The fire is believed to have started in the roof of the property, part of which dates back to Elizabethan times. The venue hosts wedding receptions under the name Lakeside Manor and has been owned by the Swarbrick family for many years.

It was impossible to prevent the fire from spreading to the ground floor and neighbours were advised to keep their windows shut due to the volume of smoke at the height of the blaze.

Near neighbour Christine Craig, who joined villagers to ply firefighters with hot drinks, told the Herald: “I looked out of my window and saw an horrific sight. The smoke drifted up the valley and was very white, you couldn’t see much.

“Each gust of wind produced a sheet of flame. The firemen said they were not able to save the building. I feel very sorry for the family.”

Photos: Pete Gardner