A blocked chimney has been identified as the most likely cause of the fire which gutted much of a North Yorkshire stately home.

Aldby Park, at Buttercrambe, near Stamford Bridge, which was hit by fire

Fire chiefs say soot may have built up within the flue of the historic Aldby Park at Buttercrambe, near Stamford Bridge, and ignited when the temperature built up.

About 70 firefighters from across the region battled to save the contents of the house, built in 1726.

Mark and Patsy Winn, who were sleeping in their ancestral home, escaped unharmed.

Irreplaceable antique furniture may have been damaged or destroyed, although the owner of the house, George Winn-Darley, has not yet assessed the losses.

Meanwhile North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has taken the opportunity to urge every homeowner in the county to fit a smoke alarm by Christmas.

Spokesman Terry Glover said: "In this case the most probable cause is an accumulation of soot in the chimney, coupled with a faulty flue.

"The integrity of the flue has been compromised and the heat has been escaping in the wrong place. There has been a build-up of soot. This ignited and started the fire within the house.

"We recommend that people get their chimneys swept at least once a year. But above all we would appeal to everyone to fit a smoke alarm. It's the first line of defence when a fire does occur.

"This fire could have been a tragedy, given the time of day it happened - early in the morning."

The local rural Dean, Rev Jeremy Valentine, praised the actions of the fire service, saying the house could have been destroyed had they not been as prompt.

He said: "I have seen both Mr and Mrs Winn and they feel fine and are staying with friends at the moment.

"I must say that the firefighters were very impressive - they were there within 15 minutes. Their prompt action saved the whole house from going."

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