Blaze rages through England's oldest hotel after a fire which started in Exeter art gallery destroys the historic property

   A blaze raged through the oldest hotel in England today as 110 firefighters tackled flames at the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter.
Police and paramedics were also at the blaze, which began shortly after 5am on Friday.

   The fire is believed to have started at an art gallery in Exeter city centre but has nowspread to the nearby Royal Clarence Hotel.

  Devon and Somerset Fire Service said crews from across Devon were at the scene tackling the blaze which has affected a block of buildings on Cathedral Yard. It is not known at this time where or how the fire started or how many properties have been affected. "No injuries are reported" a spokesman said earlier. Devon and Cornwall Police said road closures were in place around the city centre.