FIRE crews were out in force in Okehampton after a local school caught fire.

Crews were thrust into action on February 22 after fire control received a number of calls reporting a blaze at The Promise School on Dartmoor View in Okehampton.

Reports came after flames and thick black smoke were spotted from a distance coming from the school. Drone footage shows thick black smoke billowing from the roof of The Promise School as firefighters work below to tackle the blaze.

In response to the large fire, six fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers attended the scene, along with police and ambulance crews.

While emergency services managed to contain the blaze, residents were advised to avoid the area, with those in the Stockley Hamlet area being urged to keep doors and windows closed to prevent embers entering properties.

Residents have expressed their sorrow at the school’s destruction. The Promise School is an SEND school catering for up to 100 children with social, emotional and mental health needs. There has been an outpouring of concern on social media, with many worried about what the fire will mean for pupils who cannot attend mainstream schools and may now face disruption to their education.