A REMOTE historic building was badly damaged by fire at the weekend.

Firefighters from across the region battled throughout Saturday night to save the Grade II listed farmhouse in Teesdale, County Durham.

But the roof of the property - thought to be one of only two in the region thatched with heather - was destroyed, and much of the building suffered severe smoke and water damage.

Owners Peter and Sue Coverdale had spent 15 years restoring Levy Pool Farm, at Bowes, near Barnard Castle, to its original 17th Century state.

It is believed Mr Coverdale noticed the fire shortly before 5pm. The couple and their two sons escaped uninjured.

Fire crews from as far as Seaham, County Durham, travelled more than 50 miles to attend the scene and were still making it safe well into yesterday.

Watch manager Brett Clayton, of Bishop Auckland fire station, said the incident would go down in the brigade's history. He said: "In 25 years, I have never had to attend a thatched roof fire. You just don't see them here.

"Every effort was made to save it, but because of its construction it challenged crews to the extreme.

"It was well off the beaten track, so we had to take mobile pumps and lighting rigs in. Fortunately, we were close to a beck for a good water supply.

"All the crews were heartbroken not to be able to save it. The owners who meticulously restored it must feel absolutely dreadful."

Neighbour and Teesdale District councillor Phil Hughes said: "Levy Pool is a gem of a building.

"It was difficult not to cry watching the roof go up."