The Sentinel office in Stafford was inches away from being caught up a blaze when the restaurant beneath caught fire.

Two fire crews attended the scene when flames flashed up a back wall where repairs were being carried out.

Polyurethane insulation caught fire from a hand-held blowtorch being used in the work.

The firefighters feared the flames might spread and sent a breathing apparatus team inside to tackle the blaze.

The newspaper district office suffered smoke damage and was ventilated by the fire brigade.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk