FIFTY firefighters from throughout Cornwall and Plymouth prevented a potential disaster in the 'rabbit warren' East Looe 'back streets' last night.

The fire broke out at the Osborne House Hotel and restaurant in Lower Chapel Street, just before 4pm and officers were concerned that it could spready quickly throughout the numerous former fishing cottages in the area of the holiday resort.

There were even fears that it could develop into an incident similar to the St Ives town fire of the 1960s which destroyed a number of properties.

Fortunately, though, the prompt action of the firefighters from Looe, assisted by crews from Liskeard, Polruan, Callington, Truro and Plymouth prevented the blaze spreading.

However, the fire, which is believed to have been started by a faulty tumble drier, caused extensive damage to the three-storey building which had only recently been put up for sale with an asking price of almost £400,000.

Lower Chapel Street and Fore Street were both closed while the blaze was tackled and neighbouring properties were evacuated.

Divisional Commander Ted Simpson paid tribute to his men who were forced to work in dark and dangerous conditions.

The St Austell-based officer said: 'The breathing apparatus crews just got in there and did the hard, hot dangerous work,' he said. 'They were faced with thick, acrid smoke and had burning stuff falling on them.'

The quaintly-located hotel and restaurants had just been advertised for sale through the Plymouth office of hotel, leisure and licensed property specialists, Colliers Robert Barry.

The property includes a number of letting bedrooms, none of which was believed to be occupied at the time of the fire.

The agents had described Osborne House as 'a real gem' - an attractive old building as charming on the inside as its attractive exterior suggests, full of character and history with low ceilings and masses of beams.

Said Ian Ridley, associate director of Colliers Robert Barry: 'It attracts an affluent clientele drawn to the business, not only by the quality of the food, with fresh fish being regularly purchased directly from the harbourside, but also by its homely atmosphere.'

Osborne House is run by Judith Williams with the help of a second chef.

Mrs Williams purchased the property in December 2002 having previously run the Jubilee Inn at Pelynt with her late husband Tim.

She had spent a considerable sum refurbishing the restaurant and guest rooms to a good standard but had decided to make a fresh start abroad.

For further information on sales of hotel, leisure and licensed properties in Cornwall, contact Ian Ridley at the Plymouth office of Colliers Robert Barry, on Plymouth (01752) 664499.

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