A FIRE that ripped through a derelict hotel near Chester has been labelled a "tragedy" by a councillor. 

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to a large fire at the site of the former Elms Hotel, which has been closed for several years, on Sealand Road, Sealand just after 7pm on Tuesday evening. 

At the height of the blaze, eight fire engines were in attendance, in addition to an aerial ladder platform and high volume pump. 

Residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed, before the fire came to a stop just after 11.30pm. 

A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) spokesperson confirmed that the building had suffered "100 per cent fire damage", and that no one was injured in the incident. 

A cause of the fire has yet to be revealed by the fire service. 

Queensferry and Sealand councillor Christine Jones told the Leader that she is "devastated" following the fire. 

Cllr Jones said: "I am absolutely devastated. It was a beautiful hotel, with a fantastic restaurant.

"The people who owned it were absolutely lovely and there was always a warm welcome. It is so sad that this tragedy has happened.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the emergency services and Streetscene, at Flintshire County Council."