CREWS from Newton Abbot and Teignmouth were among 50 firefighters tackling a redundant church blaze just off Torquay harbourside this afternoon.

Some nine appliances were at the former Rainbow Fun House in Torwood Gardens Road where flames had spread into the roof of the Victorian building, once Holy Trinity Church.

Firefighters at the scene hoped they would be able to save the historic Grade Two listed building which is 125-years-old.

The aerial platform is among the appliances involved in the battle to save the church which two years ago had problems with squatters who were later evicted.

It’s not thought anyone was in the building at the time the fire was spotted at 2pm.

The church once functioned as the Breakaway Snooker Club.

One witness at the scene said: ‘It was a great place to go when it was the Rainbow Fun House. Lots of kids across South Devon will have fond memories of it.’