Crews try to save artefacts from sailing club fire

Firefighters said they tried to save artefacts from a blaze in a Grade II listed sailing club building.

Crews were called to the University Community Sailing Club in Waterside Marina, Brightlingsea, at 11:33 BST on Friday.

The Essex fire service said the blaze escalated quickly "due to a failed external gas pipe" and because it was a timber-framed building.

"Our crews worked incredibly hard to save artefacts and other important items, as well as to stop the fire from spreading further," said Brightlingsea station manager Quentin Sage.

"But unfortunately, both this building and the house next door has been left with significant fire damage."

It was contained by 13:15 and following an investigation, the service concluded the cause was accidental.

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