Three people were rescued from the serious fire at the Swan and Royal Hotel, Castle Street, last night (Saturday). It is thought they were rescued from a first floor balcony of the pub's function room as the fire raged on the floor above.

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A total of 10 fire appliances attended the blaze, which broke out just before midnight.

At least 40 firefighters tackled the fire, which gutted accommodation situated on the top floor above the hotel's function room and caused serious smoke and water damage to other parts of the building.

It is believed a 30th birthday party, which was being held in the function room, was just drawing to a close as the fire took hold.

All three emergency services attended the incident, with five people taken to hospital by ambulance suffering from smoke inhalation.

Police completely cordoned off Clitheroe town centre, while firefighters continued to tackle the blaze into the early hours.

Three ladders, a triple extension ladder and an aerial ladder platform were all used to reach the trapped members of the public and help extinguish the flames.

A typically busy Saturday night in the town, spectators watched with horror from Lowergate as the rescue operation unfolded.

It was the second major fire to occur in Clitheroe this weekend. The first was a serious fire, which is believed to have started in a pine furniture shop workshop at Duck Street on Friday evening and destroyed three properties.

The section of Castle Street from the top of Moor Lane to its junction with King Street is expected to remain closed until Monday, with diversions in place.

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