A MORECAMBE vicar has spoken of his shock and disbelief at watching his popular West End church turn into a blazing inferno.

Rev Andrew Horsfell was joined by parishioners on Monday evening as flames ripped through Trinity Methodist Church.

Firefighters spent nearly six hours tackling the blaze which devastated the interior of the building.

Nearby residents had to be evacuated and more than 30 firefighters from Morecambe, Lancaster and Preston fought the blaze.

A special police helicopter with thermal imaging technology flew overhead to discover the source of the fire.

Rev Horsfall and churchgoers could only stand and watch as the fire took hold, fanned on by gale force winds.

"By the time I got there the fire was already well alight," said Rev Horsfall. "Church members started to arrive and all we could do was stand there in a state of shock and disbelief. There were a few who were quite distressed because it wasn't just a building, it's a place where they have spent a lot of their lives. We're all still a bit shellshocked at the moment but the phone hasn't stopped ringing with offers of help and support - which is very heartening indeed."

Four pumps and five jet hose reels were used to tackle the fire and for a while there were fears the church chimney would collapse.

Fire investigators were at the scene on Tuesday but there are no suspicious circumstances. An electrical fault has been suggested as a cause for the blaze.

A spokesman for the fire brigade said: "The flames burst through the roof in three places and the conditions were horrible making it difficult to work. The high winds and rain made it difficult for the men up the ladders."

A parishioner helping with the clear up at the listed building said: "It's a right mess. The fire's burnt through the roof in three places and now the rain's coming in. Even the parts of the church that weren't in the fire have been badly smoke damaged. The organ pipes have been ruined but the organ itself might be okay. It's going to take a long time to get it all fixed up."

Local groups which use Trinity Methodist Church are now looking for alternative venues and services will now be held at Higher Heysham Methodist Church.