Drayton Manor theme park damaged in fire

The fire service was called at about 23:00 GMT on Tuesday

A large fire has caused damage to a changing block at Drayton Manor theme park.

The blaze took hold in the Thomas Land area on Tuesday night, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said.

The theme park confirmed no-one was injured and all of the animals at the park were safe.

Currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, Drayton Manor keeps about 100 animals on its premises in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

Incident commander Stuart Ruckledge said the whole changing block had been alight, but crews were able to stop the fire spreading to other areas of the park.

Drayton Manor is currently closed and unable to hold Christmas events because of Covid restrictions

The fire affected a toilet block in Thomas Land

The park said it had been able to assess the damage and said it was "relieved" that it was "limited to a toilet block and store cupboard, both within Thomas Land".

It said all of the rides "remain intact with very limited damage".

The fire service is expected to start an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said 28 service personnel attended the scene from 22:30 GMT and the fire was put out after crews "broke through the roof of an adjoining building".

A fire appliance remained at the site, damping down hotspots, all night and into the morning, the service said.

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The park, unable to run Christmas events due to coronavirus restrictions, has a 15-acre zoo and more than 25 rides and attractions. It also has a 150-bedroom hotel with restaurants and bars.

In February, it was flooded after Storm Dennis swept the country and in August, it was announced the park had been sold to Looping Group after entering administration.