Devastating aftermath of 10-hour blaze that gutted 1,000-year-old church near Sandringham

The aftermath of a 10-hour blaze that gutted a village’s beloved 1,000-year-old church has been captured in a series of devastating images.

The fire, which started as workmen carried out repairs on Wednesday, torched the medieval building's thatched roof in Beachamwell, Norfolk.

Shocking pictures show smouldering remains of the Grade I-listed church, which was left with just four walls standing alongside the bell tower.

St Mary's Parish Church, which is 20 miles from the Queen's Sandringham Estate, dates back to the 11th century.

Villagers today spoke of their horror as they watched firefighters arrive at the scene at around 10.45am to try to control the blaze for more than 10 hours.

St Mary's Parish Church is 20 miles from the Queen's Sandringham Estate (James Linsell-Clark/ SWNS)

A firefighter sprays water on still-smouldering parts of the of the church (James Linsell-Clark/ SWNS)

Patricia Clarke, treasurer for the church, said the building had been left black and charred.

“The whole village smells, it's heartbreaking,” she said.

"You couldn't get a more quintessential English church if you tried. Everyone in the village is devastated."

Patricia Clarke, treasurer for the church, described the situation as 'heartbreaking' (PA)

The village of roughly 350 people had helped raise £30,000 for repairs to be made to the thatched roof, which was last replaced in the 1960s.

Patricia, 73, said that workmen were at the church yesterday replacing lead that was stolen from the building three years ago.

The workers were also due to replace part of the thatched roof.

Rebuilding the church is estimated to cost over a million dollars (James Linsell-Clark/ SWNS)

It is believed that a spark from one of their tools set alight to the thatched roof before engulfing the building, which was insured for up to £2million.

Retired churchwardens John Sanderson, 87, said: "They tried to extinguish the fire but the extinguisher ran out and the flames took hold.

"It's a total rebuild. It'll be a question of whether finances are available, it's obviously going to cost over a million."

The Grade 1 listed building is over 1000 years old, and has a round tower dating to the 11th century (PA)

Foreign secretary Liz Truss, who is the MP for South West Norfolk, has promised her constituents she will support them in restoring the church.

She tweeted last night: "Very sorry to hear of the fire at St Mary’s Church, Beachamwell. Thank you to @ Norfolkfire for tackling the blaze.

"I will do all I can to assist in the restoration of this beautiful church."