A FIRE service commander has praised firefighters who prevented a Watford farmhouse from being gutted on Tuesday.

Officers from Watford, Garston and Rickmansworth were called to Brightwell Farm in Vicarage Road at 5pm. When they arrived, a first-floor bedroom was on fire and flames had spread to the loft.

Station Commander Doug Robinson, of Watford Fire Service, said: 'Generally, when the fire reaches the roof it is difficult to stop it spreading. Because this was such an old building, this was a major risk. But the officers did excellent work to put it out quickly and limit the damage.'

Firefighters used breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras, and had put the fire out by 6.20pm. The cause is being investigated.