Residents of a Northumberland town have come together after a fire tore through a much-loved local venue.
Haltwhistle's Working Men's Club was so badly damaged in the blaze that parts of the building had to be knocked down.
Six fire engines carrying crews from both Northumberland and Cumbria spent hours tackling the fire, with emergency services still on scene more than 12 hours later.
Read more: Major fire rips through Haltwhistle Working Men's Club with neighbours evacuated during night
Coun Ian Hutchinson, who represents Haltwhistle on Northumberland County Council, was saddened that such an important local venue had been lost - but was full of praise for the way in which the community rallied to support each other in the aftermath.
Coun Hutchinson said:" It is absolutely devastating, the building is ruined and wrecked. It was important to the town.
"We used to have a Conservative Club as well, but that closed and now we only have the Comrades Club left. It will be a miss to the town.
"It's a shock to Haltwhistle. It's the largest fire I've ever seen here. It's horrendous.
"My thoughts go out to everyone and I would like to say thank you to the emergency services, the fire service and the police. They were there for hours.
"The local residents rallied round - we had local businesses providing bacon sandwiches for the emergency services.
"I'm proud to think how much local people rallied round. It's just sad we've lost that building."
Coun Hutchinson's words were echoed by Coun Alan Sharp, chairman of Haltwhistle Town Council and county councillor for the neighbouring Haydon and Hadrian ward.
Coun Sharp added: "It's going to have a big impact on the community and it is devastating for residents, particularly members of the club. It's very sad that this has happened at this time of year when they've got a lot on in terms of social events.
"There was going to be a children's party there this weekend, which has had to be moved. The Working Men's Club was a well-used facility by old and young people alike.
"I would like to praise the police and the fire brigade for their response and for supporting the town. The fire service got there very quickly and prevented it from being much worse.
"The community has rallied round and another local establishment has offered to rehouse the people who lived in the flat. Everybody in Haltwhistle always does this. It's a caring community who will do everything they can to help anybody who has been affected.
"I would like to thank everybody who has rallied around and helped."
Coun Gordon Stewart, the deputy chairman of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, also praised fire crews for their efforts after spending time at the scene on Thursday.
Coun Stewart said: "This has had a devastating impact upon the community. I have been working with partners at the scene to ensure residents who have been displaced are cared for.
"I am grateful to local businesses who have supported not just the residents but also the emergency services."
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