A MAJOR blaze has wrecked a historic 17th century pub.

Firefighters have battled to save The Sirloin Pub in Station Road, Hoghton, after the fire was reported last night at around 8pm.

The blaze, which has gone through the roof of the building, saw staff and customers have to be evacuated.

A pub spokesman said: "Thank you to all the community for the support. We have had a very serious fire which unfortunately has left the restaurant and pub devastated. The fire crews have worked tremendouslyhard and saved what they could. All guests and staff were safely evacuated and no one was harmed. "

Six crews were scrambled to the pub as they battled to get the flames under control.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue's stinger unit and aerial ladder platform were also used before the operation was scaled back at about 10pm.

The fire was brought under control at around 11.30pm but fire crews have been at the scene overnight working to put out the blaze.

Two crews from Blackburn, two crews from Preston and one each from Darwen and Bamber Bridge attended the fire.

They had support from the Stinger water tower, an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP)and the Aerial Support Unit.

Firefighters tackled the fire using water from the Stinger and ALP.

One fire crew remains at the scene monitoring the incident.

The fire service has warned that roads near the fire may be very icy.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. 

A 17th-Century former coaching house, the pub only re-opened in July 2016 after a major refurbishment.

The famous story surrounding the pub is that a hunting party including King James I, dined there after visiting Hoghton Tower.

The king placed his sword on a fine loin of beef, which appeared on the table at the inn, which was from then on renamed The Sirloin in remembrance of the event.