Stanwick Lakes Iron Age roundhouse damaged in fire

The thatched roof was completely destroyed

A replica Iron Age roundhouse built as a feature in a community project about heritage in east Northamptonshire has been severely damaged in a fire.

Firefighters were called to Stanwick near Rushden at 2000 GMT on Wednesday.

The fire completely destroyed the thatched roof which took four days to build.

The heritage project attracted more than 500 volunteers, including schools, youth groups and was due to be completed by 26 March.

The Iron Age house was being created as part of the Rose of the Shires project which researches the heritage of local areas.

Organisers are hoping to be able to restore the roundhouse.

Liz Williams, education co-ordinator for the project, said: "We are assessing the damage to the roundhouse but at the moment we are not quite sure what we'll do next."