An award-winning Suffolk pub has suffered a serious fire this evening.

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire at The Fox Inn at Newbourne Picture: MALCOLM SAUNDERSThe fire at The Fox Inn at Newbourne Picture: MALCOLM SAUNDERS

The Fox Inn in Newbourne, near Woodbridge, which was named Pub of the Year in the Eat Suffolk Food and Drink Awards 2018, is said to have suffered substantial damage in the blaze.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was alerted just before 5pm and spent around two hours tackling the blaze.

A fire service spokesman said it was believed the fire started in a tumble dryer in an out building and spread to the main pub, which is a part of the Deben Inns business.

The spokesman was unable to give a full account of the damage caused but said it was “substantial” and parts of the building had to be cut away to fight the blaze inside. The pub is renowned for the “chocolate box” appearance of its 16th century building.

It had only held ‘Fox Fest’ on Friday and Saturday, a family event featuring live music and BBQ.