FORTY-EIGHT elderly people were moved into a church hall after a fire in the roof of their nursing home forced them to be evacuated.

About 30 firefighters were called to Fir Tree House in St James’ Road, Tunbridge Wells, when the blaze was discovered at about 10am on Friday.

Residents were evacuated to St James’ Church Hall while the fire was brought under control. Only about half are expected to return to the home as part of the building is inhabitable.

Volunteers from Fire Victim Support at the British Red Cross were on hand to offer showers and toilet facilities to the elderly residents, and Sally Staples, emergency planning officer at Tunbridge Wells council, helped to distribute fish and chips.

She said: "When I first arrived there were a lot of shocked, pale, elderly residents but we managed to muster fish and chips for them and softer food for the more elderly people. The staff at the nursing home were amazing and play such an important role because they are familiar to the residents.

"The residents soon became more relaxed and shock began to wear off when they realised they were in good hands."