FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze that threatened to engulf a historic farmhouse near Alresford last night.

Some 50 firefighters crews worked throughout the night to save North End Farmhouse in Cheriton.

The fire service was alerted by a 999 call just after 9.05pm, reporting the roof was well alight on the property on North End Lane.

The first firefighters on the scene discovered the fire had spread from the roof into the first floor of the T-shaped two-storey house.

Jets and hose reels were used to tackle the blaze, along with the aerial ladder platform, and crews managed to salvage much of the house's contents.

The roof and first floor were left badly damaged by fire, while around half the ground floor was also damaged by water. The stop message was received just after 4.30am.

The house is believed to have had eight people inside, four adults and four children. No-one was hurt.

Almost 50 firefighters from Winchester, Alresford, Bishop’s Waltham, Eastleigh, Sutton Scotney, Droxford and Basingstoke were needed to fight the flames.

The cause of the blaze will be investigated today (May 26) but is not thought to be suspicious.