7 September 2011
Last updated at 10:19 GMT

Crews were trying to stop the fire from spreading from the roof to the rest of the house

More than 40 firefighters are tackling a large fire in a Berkshire town centre.

Broad Street in Wokingham has been closed while they deal with the blaze in a Grade-II listed building.

Crews were called at shortly before 03:00 BST and remain at the scene. There are no reports of any injuries.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said about half of the roof of the two-storey and basement building had been destroyed.

‘Significant blaze’

BBC reporter Duncan McLarty, who was at the scene, said the fires were “quietening down” by 10:00 BST.

“At it’s height it was a really significant blaze. The innards of the building are wooden and Tudor.”

“The front of the building is a beautiful stately regency building, about 200 years old, so it’s hoped the outside of the building may be able to be saved.”

Vice-chairman of Berkshire Fire Authority and Wokingham borough councillor Pauline Helliar-Symons was also at the scene.

She said it was “very sad”.

“They are very precious buildings along this street and we’re very proud of them.

“I’m really grateful they’ve managed not to let it spread to any of the buildings on either side, or across the road. They’ve done a brilliant job of doing that.”

A new Wokingham fire station is due to open through the night from 1 October.

At present the station is not open 24 hours a day.

Due to the fire Broad Street is expected to be closed in both directions between Denmark Street and Milton Road until midday.

Shute End is also expected to close until midday.