Flames were shooting out of a first floor window by the time fire crews arrived at the scene shortly after 4.15am.

Eight bedrooms were extensively damaged in the blaze but all five people in the three-storey hotel got out safely suffering from smoke inhalation and minor cuts.

There were initially fears someone was still in the burning building. Firefighters went in to search but the man had managed to get out of the back of the hotel.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "On arrival the hotel was well alight with flames coming out of the first floor windows so back-up appliances were called for. Initial contact with the staff suggested one person was unaccounted for so firefighters searched the premises but fortunately he had got out the back of the building unhurt. All five people got out uninjured."

A fire investigation team is still investigating the cause of the blaze.
Three fire engines, two from Berwick and one from Lothian and Borders, were initially called out. Crews from Belford, Wooler and another from Lothian and Borders were later asked to attend. Firefighters with breathing apparatus used two hose reels to bring the fire under control. A damping down operation was carried out on Tuesday morning with the surrounding area sealed off to the public.

It is understood the hotel was due to reopen next Tuesday following refurbishment but it will now be closed for several months while repairs are carried out.

The ground floor Villa Spice 2 Indian restaurant sustained smoke and water damage and it is not