SIX fire engines were called to a major pub fire in Worcestershire.

Crews tackled the blaze at The Anchor Inn in Eckington, near Pershore, after a garden fire spread from conifer trees to the building's roof.

The flames engulfed a space sized 25m by 20m, forcing firefighters to use six jets, three hose reels, foam, ladders and breathing apparatus during the operation.

Neighbour Alan Davies said the fire spread quickly from being just a relatively small fire in an adjacent hedge that the landlord was tackling himself with a hose, to flames reaching 40 feet into the air as the wind whipped up and spread the blaze towards the pub.

“Another neighbour then asked if I could help move an elderly gentleman in a bungalow next to the pub to a house next door which I did. I assured him the fire fighters were on their way and he was calm about it.”

Paul and Val Hedge who also live nearby said they were astounded how quickly the fire became out of control.

“I was astounded how quickly it spread because I really thought the fire brigade was going to have a wasted journey. I really thought it would be out by the time they got here but the wind got hold of it so quickly,” said Mrs Bridge.

Mr Bridge added that everyone was relieved that there had been no injuries to anyone.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "It was upsetting for everyone.

"It was quite dramatic and took hold very quickly - before we knew it an out-of-control hedge fire turned into a pub being destroyed."

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Pershore, Evesham, Upton and Worcester attended the scene.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Tewkesbury and Cheltenham were also drafted in to assist.

The incident took place on Wednesday (April 22) at 4.47pm, and not 3.47pm as previously reported, at the public house in Cotheridge Lane.

Grant Wills, district commander for fire and rescue in South Worcestershire, tweeted: "Excellent firefighting by South Worcs and @Glosfire crews to protect property and people of Eckington this evening."

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, paramedic and one paramedic officer to the scene at 6pm and one person was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

A spokesman however stated the patient was being treated for a medical condition rather than injuries linked to the fire.