A popular yachtsman’s pub has been gutted by fire. The 13th Century thatched roofed Pandora Inn at Restronguet, near Falmouth is severely damaged by the blaze.

Thirty-five firefighters tackled the blaze in the building which is owned by St Austell Brewery. Witnesses nearby said that the roof had collapsed.

Residents in the vicinity have been asked to stay inside their homes and keep windows and doors closed.

The pub, formerly a farmhouse, has parts dating back to the 1200s.

Fire crews were called from Falmouth, Redruth and Truro.

Firefighters were also put on the Falmouth Lifeboat, which was dispatched to the creek adjacent to the waterfront pub, to fight the fire from a different angle.

 Photo: Virtual Tourist