Dozens of guests had to be evacuated after a fire in a large seaside hotel.

Fire crews were called to The Majestic Hotel in Royal Parade, Eastbourne, at about 7.20pm this evening.

It is thought the blaze started in a wall cavity on the second floor of the four-storey building before spreading onto the roof.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said the guests were evacuated and are now being helped to find alternative accommodation.

She added it was unclear how the fire began.

Crews are still at the scene tonight.