A FIREFIGHTER involved in tackling a blaze at a country club has revealed he was due to get married there next month.

Steven Mundy is a retained fire officer based in Henfield.

He was called to the Cottesmore Hotel Golf and Country Club, in Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, at 5pm on Monday.

Fire crews arrived at the scene to find fire ripping through the building.

No one was injured but the blaze continued overnight and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said at least half the building was destroyed

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Steven was due to get married to his fiancee, Sophie Pratt, 26, on July 21 at the club. The couple were initially devastated – but have managed to find a new venue in time.

Steven said: “We called around 15 venues after the incident and we found only three had the date available.

“We visited them and the managers were very understanding and accommodating in light of the situation.

“We have managed to secure a new venue in Charlwood in Surrey.”

He said initially he did not know what to think.

He said: “I never expected the fire to be that serious when I turned up.

“Sophie called me when we were on our way to the incident. She was in complete shock and was just panicking about what to do with the wedding coming up.

“She’s not often speechless.”

Steven has since thanked his colleagues for their support following the incident, including his father James who is a crew manager with the service.

He said: “Most of the crew I was with at the fire had been invited to the wedding.

“They have all sent messages of support and have offered to help in any way they can.”

There were ten fire engines in attendance at the peak of the blaze, along with several specialist vehicles including an aerial ladder platform, and specialist officers.