Centuries old Neath Valley pub destroyed by early morning blaze

A CENTURIES-OLD Neath Valley pub has been destroyed by fire.

A blaze ripped through the Lamb and Flag on the main road through Glynneath early this morning.

Eyewitnesses said the 200-year-old building was completely wrecked and Park Avenue had to be closed.

Firefighters were called to the scene at around 5.20am today and were still there more than three hours later.

A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "The first and second floors were well alight and the fire had spread to the roof space.

"We have four pumping appliances there, with one aerial appliance present and another on the way.

"A turntable ladder is also in use, along with three main jets."

Watch video footage from the scene of the fire below

Landlord and landlady Chris and Irene Rashbrook are understood to have got out safely, but have lost both their home and their livelihoods.

The Lamb and Flag celebrated its 200th birthday with a party for regulars in the summer of last year.

Beginning life as a coach house for travellers to London, it became a thriving pub and restaurant, which was also popular as a wedding destination and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

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One shocked onlooker told the Post: "The place is gutted, absolutely wrecked.

"They're not going to be able to repair it, it will have to be demolished.

"The firefighters are still dealing with it now but it's a total wreck.

"The roof has collapsed — I can still see the flames coming out."