A CHURCH service at St Bartholomew’s Church, Nymet Tracey, Bow, was brought to an abrupt end on Mothering Sunday (March 6), when candles on the altar caused a fire in an ancient screen behind the altar.

The service was brought to an end by the Rev Lindsey Starrs, of the North Creedy Benefice.

A former firefighter, David Gray, who was in the congregation began to tackle the fire with water.

Fire crews from Crediton, North Tawton and Okehampton attended after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were alerted to the incident at 11.17am.

On arrival the crews confirmed the fire had been put out.

Watch Manager, Mark Quick, said: "We checked the area with a thermal imaging camera to ensure there was no unseen fire travel and confirmed that the fire had been extinguished."

Alan Quick