Pensioners were evacuated from a sheltered home in Stevenage last night as fire took hold in a flat.

Two fire crews were sent to Highfield Court off Grace Way after an emergency call at 7.09pm to a fire in a ground floor flat.

A number of residents were evacuated from the Stevenage Homes site, and all persons were accounted for Herts Fire Service said.

The fire was out within half an hour, but caused serious damage to the flat, Stevenage Borough Council said.

The cause was accidental.