AN elderly woman has been taken to hospital after her bedroom was completely gutted by a fire.

Six fire engines were sent to the property in Slindon, near Fontwell, at 9.29am today to reports of a fire.

At its height, ten firefighters were kitted up with breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze at close quarters while colleagues doused the house with four hoses.

After nearly four hours, the crews were told to stand down and the fire investigators were called in.

The elderly woman was taken to hospital and at this stage it is unclear whether the fire – which caused 100% damage to the first floor bedroom and 20% damage to the roof - was accidental or not.

There were no other injuries.