SOME 100 firefighters - including more than 20 from Teignbridge - are tackling a major blaze in the centre of Exeter just yards from its 14th century cathedral.

Emergency services were deluged by 999 calls after smoke and flames were seen coming from an art gallery on Cathedral Green just after 5am today.

No one was injured in the blaze which tore through The Gallery which has previously exhibited works by Nobel laureate Bob Dylan and Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood.

Fire crews at the historic scene came from Danes Castle, Topsham, Crediton, Exmouth, Cullompton, Ottery St Mary, Dawlish, Tiverton, Honiton, Middlemoor, Teignmouth, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Moretonhampstead and Newton Abbot.

Urban Search and Rescue Specialist vehicles together with specialist firefighters were also in attendance.

Fire service drones were deployed to help save the historic terrace of architectural treasures.

The next-door Royal Clarence Hotel was among the buildings evacuated.

Fire chiefs have declared the shout a major incident.

Police cordoned off the immediate area from the public. Mornings rush-hour traffic around the city was gridlocked.