STAFF at a York city centre pubare hoping to reopen part of the business tomorrow after a fire caused by a tumble dryer forced it to close today.

Five fire engines were called to Brigantes in Micklegate at about 8.10pm yesterday and found a fire in a downstairs utility room when they arrived.

Customers were evacuated from the premises.

Ann Wiggins, wife of the pub's manager Larry Richards, said: "A tumble dryer is what caused it.

"Luckily everyone got out safe and quickly.

"There is fire damage to the utility room. It didn't spread beyond the room. It was just smoke everywhere else."

She added: "We are hoping to reopen the bar area as of tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

"The restaurant will be remaining closed for a few days. We will still be serving food in the main bar area."

Mrs Wiggins has praised the fire crews for their efforts.

She said: "The fire brigade were amazing, luckily they stopped it when they did. I can't praise them enough."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire fire service said: "Crews extinguished the fire which is believed to have started in a tumble dryer."

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Lee Smith said there was thick smoke in the building when crews arrived.

They used eight breathing apparatus, two hose reels, thermal imaging cameras and lighting to tackle the fire.

Mr Smith said there was extensive fire damage in the utility room and smoke damage to the rest of the premises and also some in adjoining buildings.

He praised staff for evacuating customers correctly and said no-one was hurt as a result.

Mrs Wiggins, who has been helping to clean up the pub today, said: "We had it under control at all times. The staff have all got great fire training and handled it really well."