A FORMER cookery school building at Occombe Farm was destroyed in a large fire in the early hours of this morning (Saturday, July 18).

Firefighters from Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot were called to the scene after the blaze broke out, prompting a major response involving four fire engines, an aerial ladder platform (ALP) and a water bowser.

When additional crews arrived, firefighters from Torquay and Paignton were already working to contain the fire, which had engulfed the former cookery school building.

Crews battled the blaze from the ground using hose reel jets and 51mm attack jets, while the aerial ladder platform was deployed to tackle the fire from above.

Firefighters from Newton Abbot assisted in setting up the aerial ladder platform and were responsible for maintaining a continuous water supply to the appliance.

Crews worked to stop the fire from spreading to nearby grassland and neighbouring buildings, successfully containing the blaze, despite challenging conditions.

The former cookery school building was completely destroyed.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

Occombe Farm closed in October last year after the charity that operated it went into liquidation following financial difficulties.

More recently, Torbay Council announced plans to sell the site to developer Greendale.