CREDITON firefighters have helped put out a fire that “severely damaged” a derelict building near Bideford.

The fire service was called to the scene on Churchill Way in Northam just before 8.15pm on Saturday, November 2.

Five fire engines and an aerial platform from Barnstaple, Appledore, Bideford, Torrington and Crediton were used to fight the blaze.

Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke and potential low levels of asbestos in the building.

Firefighters used hose reel and attack jets to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

By 11.45pm, they had extinguished the blaze and were damping down the area to make sure it did not reignite.

A local fire crew made a final visit at 7am the following morning. An investigation is being completed, the fire service said.