THIRTY firefighters battled for nearly six hours today to put out a huge fire which ripped through a derelict former care home in Stamford Bridge.

Five fire crews from York, Pocklington, Hull and Market Weighton, worked through the night to control the blaze at the disused Grange Nursing Home, in Low Catton Road.

The roof suffered extensive damage along with the north wing, but no one was hurt.

A turntable ladder from York was used as a water tower in the operation, along with six firefighters using breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets and a ventilation unit to clear the smoke.

Fire crews were called at 11.40 last night and did not leave until 5.30 this morning. A spokeswoman for Humberside fire service said it was not yet known what caused the blaze, but investigators were expected to examine the scene later today.

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, February 09, 2005