A FARMHOUSE at a former Clitheroe equestrian centre has been devastated by fire.

Flames ripped through all three levels of the stone-built detached house in the Broomhill Farm complex in Smalden Lane, Grindleton, yesterday.

Four fire crews from Clitheroe, Earby and Barnoldswick were despatched to the site at 10am, as well as an aerial ladder platform from Accrington.

Dave McGrath of Clitheroe Fire Station, said: “By the time we got there, the fire was well under way.

“It had started on the ground floor, in the kitchen area, and had spread through the rest of the house.

“There is severe fire damage to two ground-floor rooms and three first-floor rooms, and all the roof space is affected.

“There is smoke damage to the rest of the property. It’s not in a liveable condition.”

Six firefighters were sent into the house using jets and managed to extinguish the flames. Then crews stripped off stone and tiles from the roof to make sure none of the embers were still lit.

The house was empty at the time the fire started, but yesterday afternoon owner Rachel Hutchinson was seen dealing with insurance surveyors and directing a tractor driver, cleaning up smashed tiling on the drive. She said she was too upset to speak about the damage to the Lancashire Telegraph.

An investigation is now underway with Lancashire Fire and Rescue to determine the cause of the blaze. Police are not involved.

Grindleton Parish Councillor Jeff Marshall said: “The Hutchinson family are well known in the village having lived here for over 25 years, and I’m sure that Rachel will have plenty of support from her family.

“The farmhouse was renovated about 10 years ago, and to hear that it has been badly damaged is very upsetting.”

Area councillor for Grindleton Bridget Hilton, said: “This is a very sad situation for those involved.

“But Grindleton is a rural area where people look out for one another.

“ I’m sure that the community will be very glad to give any help and support they can.”