WEST Devon Borough Council has made a rapid response following the discovery of asbestos while firefighters were tackling a blaze at Hatherleigh Market.

At around 3.40am on Monday (October 21), firefighters from Hatherleigh and Okehampton attended the scene, requesting further support from North Tawton, Torrington and an incident command vehicle with fire appliance from Ilfracombe. An aerial ladder platform from Barnstaple and Western Power also attended.

By 4.10am, eight per cent of the single storey building (measuring 100 metres by 50 metres) was well alight. Crews used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets and made efforts to set into an open water supply.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.