Fireghters searched a former convent fearing people were trapped inside by a blaze last night.

More than 20 firefighters were sent to the former Carmelite convent in Hunston, near Chichester, after fire broke out in a first-floor bedroom.

The building is now used as accommodation for farm workers. It is the second time there has been a fire there in the past few weeks.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "Extra appliances attended because of the size of the building that had to be searched, but no one was trapped.

"The cause is being investigated by us and the police."