A FIRE crew from Chester was involved in a major response to a large fire at a 400-year-old Cheshire pub with a thatched roof.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at The Smoker pub in Plumley on the A556 Chester Road, at about 5.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, October 23).

Fire engines from Middlewich, Winsford, Northwich, Macclesfield and two from Irlam and Altricham (Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) all attended the scene.

They were joined there by an aerial ladder platform from Lymm and the Scorpion High Reach Extending Turret (HRET) plus relief crews from Chester, Penketh and Crewe.

Upon arrival, firefighters evacuated the building, with Cheshire Police closing the road in both directions.

The fire involved the thatched roof of the 400-year-old pub, with crews working to remove the thatch.

Two cats were rescued from the building as Scottish Power and Manweb helped to safely isolate the power to the building.

Late last night, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews would be staying on location throughout the night.

A cordon was put in place around the 16th century building due to the integrity of its four chimneys.

At 9am on Thursday (October 24), CFRS confirmed that just one engine, from the Winsford station, remains in attendance.

Crews are dealing with hot spots of fire in the roof of the building.

An investigation to establish the cause is now taking place.

A spokesperson for Wincham Council said: "Such sad news last night.

"Firefighters were called to the pub at 5.30pm as a fire spread rapidly through the thatch.

"Luckily all staff, customers and the two cats got out safely.

"The fire crew stayed for many hours to ensure the fire was fully out and all sparks etc were damped down."