More than 60 firefighters spent last night tackling a blaze at a 14th century manor house near Wantage.

The fire started at 11.15pm at Philberd's Manor, in Halls Lane, East Hanney, and the two residents escaped before flames spread across the roof.

Fire crews from across the county managed to salvage some antique paintings and furniture but the roof collapsed during the blaze and the house has been seriously damaged.

Incident commander Barry Stockford said the fire control centre in Kidlington was inundated with calls from residents who could see flames shooting from the roof of the three-storey house.

Eight rescue appliances from Wantage, Abingdon, Didcot, Faringdon and Rewley Road, supported by specialist units from Woodstock, Eynsham, Wheatley and Bicester, were sent to the scene.

They used water from nearby Letcombe Brook to douse the flames.

Mr Stockford added: "The two residents managed to get out before the fire developed after they heard slates falling from the roof.

"The fire quickly spread across the whole of the 30m roof space, which then collapsed.

"Firefighters managed to retrieve some valuables, including paintings and antique furniture before the roof collapsed, but once the roof collapsed they didn't go back into the property because there are six tall unsupported chimney stacks.

"We managed to bring the blaze under control within the hour because the control unit sent so many crews as soon as they were alerted.

"It is too early to say what started the fire and the cause is being investigated."

Fire crews were still damping down at the property early this morning and firefighters were liaising with building control officers from the Vale of White Horse District Council, who will be assessing the damage.