A lighthouse located on the cliffs of Hunstanton was damaged after it was struck by lightning.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of the Hunstanton Lighthouse being struck by lightning this morning at around 6.12am. Picture: Norfolk Fire ServiceNorfolk Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of the Hunstanton Lighthouse being struck by lightning this morning at around 6.12am. Picture: Norfolk Fire Service (Image: Archant)

The Old Hunstanton Lighthouse was caught amid heavy showers and thunderstorms which swept across West Norfolk in the early hours of this morning.

Crews from Hunstanton and Heacham attended the scene at around 6am, isolating the electricity and making the building safe.

The lightning strike has caused structural damage to the roof of the 18th century building, which is managed by Norfolk Coast Holiday Cottages.

Julie Rushmer and Sandra Hohol, of Norfolk Holiday Homes Hunstanton - the agency for the nearby Coastguard Lookout - said a family who had been staying at the Coastguard Lookout were woken by the blast.

Eastern Daily Press: A close up of the Lighthouse in Hunstanton that was struck by lightning this morning. Photo: Tony BishoppA close up of the Lighthouse in Hunstanton that was struck by lightning this morning. Photo: Tony Bishopp (Image: Tony Bishop)

'They are all a bit shocked as you can imagine,' Ms Rushmer added. 'But they are absolutely fine and safe.

'They saw the rubble from the building land on the road, we haven't had a storm like that for a very long time.'

Ms Hohol added: 'I was shocked when I saw it, I wanted to make sure the guests were ok.'