Two elderly residents have been taken to hospital after a blaze broke out a nursing home today, police said.

A total of 40 people were evacuated from the St David's Nursing Home in Redcar, Cleveland, during the early hours.

Two residents were taken to hospital - one suffering from burns and the other smoke inhalation, a Cleveland Police spokesman said. ''Forty people have been evacuated and two have gone to hospital,'' he said.

''One person has suffered burns and another is suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.''

It is understood the fire broke out at around 5am and quickly spread to the roof of the Bupa-owned nursing home in Lord Street.

A Cleveland Fire Service spokesman said an automatic fire alarm had been triggered at 5.06am.

''Firefighters found an extensive fire on the first floor and roof with multiple rescues needing to be done,'' he said.

''Between 50 and 55 firefighters were at the scene and rescued 42 residents.

''They were moved to a public house across the road and the council is dealing with their welfare.''

The spokesman said much of the roof of the building had been destroyed and parts had collapsed.

He added: ''The fire has been brought under control and we are now investigating the cause of the blaze.''

One firefighter suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.