THE fire services were called to a hand-drier blaze last night at the Old Fleece pub in Woodchester.

Fortunately the pub's manager Steve Mooney is a retained fire officer and noticed smoke coming from the toilets at around 9pm.

Mooney successfully evacuated all those inside the building onto the terrace before two engines from Stroud arrived.

It is believed the fire started when the electric hand drier in the men's toilets overheated and burnt out, this then fell into the metal waste bin below setting the liner alight.

Fire crews were able to contain the blaze and gave the all clear at 10pm.

The men's toilets have been affected however staff are on hand this morning to get the pub back ready for customers from 11am.

Pub owner Nick Beardsley told the SNJ: "Can I convey my sincere thanks to the speed and professionalism of Stroud Fire Crew who dealt with this potentially serious incident brilliantly.

"The Old Fleece always raises to the challenge and all customers stayed with us on the terrace and continued at their tables once the Fire Men gave the all clear around 10pm."