A famous old coaching inn is still standing today after a serious blaze was contained by firefighters.
Six fire crews were called out at 2.13am to the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge on the North York Moors.
Fire had broken out in a storage cellar at the 16th century freehouse.
Furniture had been moved to the cellar to make space for social distancing before the latest lockdown. This was destroyed in the fire.
But no one was hurt, and the pub itself, including the bar and restaurant, was untouched.
The Lion Inn is still preparing to open, as intended, on 17 May.
Owned and run by the Crossland family since the 1980s, the Lion Inn is located at the highest point of the North York Moors. It is famed for its open fires, real ale – and breathtaking views.
In a statement on Facebook, the family said: “Thanks for all the kind messages, glad to say everyone is fine and the pub wasn’t damaged.
“The fire occurred in a storage cellar which was only storing the old furniture we had removed from the bar and dining rooms to allow social distancing, it did not reach the pub.
“Thanks to all the amazing fire crews who attended last night.”
The fire was in the pub cellar. A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews from Danby, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley, Pickering, Malton and Stokesley attended.
“The fire was well alight in the cellar on the first crews’ arrival.”
An investigation has begun into what caused the blaze.