AN INVESTIGATION is underway into what caused a huge fire which badly damaged the east wing of a landmark building yesterday (Wednesday, October 1).

Insurers were also at the Crathorne Hall Hotel, near Yarm, today, waiting for firefighters to finish damping down and looking for hotspots.

The roof on the east wing, which contains the kitchens, was destroyed but firefighters managed to stop the fire spreading to the main section of the Edwardian building.

Meanwhile couples due to get married at the Grade II-listed hotel have been scrambling to find last minute venues.

Bride-to-be Helen Boddy, 26, of Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton, and her fiancé Scott Healey, 27, of Hurworth, near Darlington were due to get married at the four star hotel on Saturday.

The pair have managed to get a booking at the equally prestigious, recently refurbished Rudby Hall at the nearby village of Hutton Rudby.

Miss Boddy, a beautician, who explained the couple had wedding insurance, said: “We’ve been so lucky. People at Rudby Hall and Crathorne Hall have gone out of their way and everyone has been so nice.

"My cousin and sister-in-law were on the phone, planning at 9.30pm last night. I was working yesterday and I when I heard I thought it was a prank, I cried, laughed, was all over the place and it’s been like that ever since.”

Jonathan Cook and Kathryn Plant, who planned to marry at the Hall tomorrow (Friday) have also said they have received “countless” offers from churches, venues and the public.

The couple have identified a church and alternative reception venue and are hopeful they can re-arrange the marriage ceremony in time.

Speaking at Crathorne Hall, firefighter Andrew Petchey, confirmed that his colleagues had worked through the night to make the venue safe.

He said: “We have to make sure it is safe but the fire investigators are already here and the aerial ladder is going to stay so we can scan the roof area. It was good work to prevent this fire spreading to the main building.”

Douglas Waddell, Operations Director at Handpicked Hotels, who own the building, explained he was showing insurers what he could and the insurers would work with the Fire Brigade.Former owner of the property, Lord Crathorne, who grew up in the house, continued his various duties today (Thursday) but had been quick to praise hotel staff and the fire brigade.

“It is absolutely devastating,” he said.

About 40 staff and guests had evacuated the building after the alarm was sounded shortly after 10am yesterday. The fire blazed throughout the day and at one point about 100 firefighters were battling the flames.