A charity and arts organisations have been hit by a blaze at their Colne Valley headquarters.

The fire early today (Tuesday) has damaged The Watershed on Bridge Street in Slaithwwaite.

The blaze broke out in the basement at the arts venue which is home to Shabang!, a theatre group working with disabled children along with arts organisations and community groups.

The blaze, which at one point was attended by eight fire engines, led to a 50ft geyser in the centre of the village after a fire hydrant being used by crews burst.

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No-one was injured in the fire, but villagers woke to chaos as roads were closed during the morning peak period.

The Watershed is also home to Satellite Arts which uses the converted mill to create storytelling shows and workshops, and Impossible Arts who work with disadvantaged members of the community.

Firefighters at Huddersfield Fire Station said the crew had struggled to get to the source of the blaze due to the amount of storage. The cause is being investigated.

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A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At its peak there were eight appliances there. It was a basement fire and there were a lot of storage items down there. It was really difficult to gain access.

“We tried to use the hydrant for water supply and it blew, so we had to turn to the river for water.”

Yorkshire Water were called to the scene to help and the problem was resolved.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “Our colleagues have attended to reduce water pressure so there is no longer a plume of water and the fire service can make a future repair to the hydrant.”