One the country's oldest coaching inns has been damaged by fire.

The fire, at the George Inn at Stamford, Lincolnshire, began in a ground floor kitchen and spread to a flat roof on the second floor.

There were fears the flames could spread throughout the four-storey building, which is believed to be more than 900 years old.

Fire crews from Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire brought the fire under control.

'Business as usual'

Staff and guests were moved from the hotel during the fire on Monday and police closed the road outside.

Five fire engines were used, and crews remained at the scene for several hours.

No-one was injured in the blaze.

Owner Lawrence Hoskins said on Tuesday it was business as usual.

"We have a second kitchen and temporary ones, and the hotel is fully operational.

"The kitchen where the fire was, will be back in use by the weekend."