Fire damages community centre roof

Fire crews spent more than two hours at Emsworth Community Centre

A fire has damaged the roof of a community centre, causing the facility to close for several weeks.

Crews from six Hampshire fire stations were called at shortly after 16:00 GMT on Tuesday to Emsworth Community Centre in North Street.

They found smoke billowing from the building, which had been evacuated, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said.

It took more than two hours before the incident was declared over.

The fire service said about a third of the roof was damaged.

On Facebook, the centre posted: "Due to this afternoon's fire, the centre will be closed for the next couple of weeks."

A handful of well-wishers, including neighbouring Emsworth Fire Station, replied with offers of help.

The centre is run by Emsworth Community Association, a locally-owned charity, according to its web page.

It hosts more than 80 activities each week, including exercise, baby and adult education classes, the site says.