FIREFIGHTERS were at the scene of a fire at a former church in a Kent town for more than 12 hours on Saturday, trying to control the blaze.

It started just before noon and flames were still burning at 5 pm, but the dampening down process continued until almost midnight.

It has been confirmed that some smouldering began in the roof of the building in Dover High Street, which was being converted into flats, after workmen had been felt-welding with a blow torch.

Shoppers lined the streets and watched as the former United Reformed Church, St Columba was ruined.

The operation caused major disruption to the one way system, with the High Street, Ladywell and Priory Hill being cordoned off so six fire appliances and two height vehicles from stations all over the county could access the building and keep the area safe.

Back up crews from as far as Strood, Canterbury and Thanet joined Folkestone, Deal and St Margarets and 10 pumps were used and eight breathing apparatus crews went inside the building at different times.

There were no casualties.