A section of coast road was closed as fire crews battled a blaze at a village shop.

Extensive smoke damage was caused to Bacton Superstore as a result of the fire, which broke out shortly after 7pm yesterday.

Staff and shoppers left the store on Coast Road after smelling smoke.

Fire fighters were at the scene for several hours, tackling the blaze which is believed to have broken out at the back of the premises.

Traffic was re-directed through the village with a police road block in place for almost three hours.

Villagers expressed hope that the store, owned by Billy and Shelley Hartlett, would soon re-open.

Jean Stubbs said: 'I use the shop a lot and they are a lovely young couple who have worked hard to build the business up. I hope there was not too much destroyed in the fire.'

Bacton resident Michael Allen said he was a regular user of the store. He added: 'It is the only shop in the village so it is a very useful facility especially as I don't have a car at the moment. I hope it will re-open soon.'

A fire service spokesman said an investigation would shortly be launched into the cause of the blaze.