A COUNTRYSIDE cafe has been severely damaged after a fire broke out. 

Roads were closed surrounding the Pines Cafe, between Taunton and Bridgwater in the Quantock Hills, as firefighters battled to control the blaze. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue was alerted to the fire by passersby at around 4am this morning. 

Somerset County Gazette:

SMOKEY SCENE: The remains of the cafe. PIC: Paul Jones 

A spokesman for the fire service said: "DSFRS control room received two reports from passersby regarding an established fire at a café at the above location.

"Three engines from Taunton, Bridgwater and Nether Stowey were mobilised along with an aerial ladder platform and a water bowser from Bridgwater.

"Upon arrival the crews confirmed a commercial premises well alight and requested the attendance of two further crews, who also came out from Taunton and Bridgwater."

Somerset County Gazette:

AFTERMATH: The scene after the fire. PIC: Tom Williams. 

The spokesman added: "The property was 75 per cent damaged by fire before the crews were able to get the incident under control using main jets, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras."

The cafe has been in the same family since around 1977, run by the current manager since 2001.

It has around eight employees and is a hugely popular spot for walkers, visitors and residents.

Misty the Pines cat has been found safe and well - cowering in a nearby hedge.

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette: