The roof of a house was badly damaged by fire after plumbers working in the attic space set the insulation alight.

But firefighters stopped flames spreading throughout a house in Cripland Close, Lindfield.

The householder raised the alarm at 1.40pm and warned two plumbers still working in another part of the roof space to get out.

No one was injured. Four fire engines and a hydraulic ladder were used to tackle the fire, which was under control within 15 minutes.

A brigade spokesman said the firefighters wanted to thank neighbours for providing refreshments on one of the hottest days of the year.

He said: "The fire appears to have started after a spark caused by the plumbing work ignited some insulation."