MORE than 100 firefighters tackled a blaze which has wrecked a stately home.

Twelve fire engines were at Allerton Castle, near the A1 between Harrogate and York, early today.

No-one was hurt in the fire, but it is understood to have caused extensive damage to the Grade 1 listed building.

A number of people were evacuated.

A police spokesman

said: "There were about 10 guests at the private residence. All are safe and well.

"The fire is being brought under control, but there's been extensive damage."

A fire brigade spokes- woman said 100 firefighters were at the scene and the blaze had wrecked the roof and the first floor.

The first 999 call was received at 2.04am. The incident was at first reported as a chimney fire, which then spread to the roof.

The castle's website "says it is the ancestral home of Lord Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton, the premier Baron of England".

It also says it is the most important Gothic Revival stately home in England.