THE owners of a bar and restaurant wrecked by a huge fire say they have been overwhelmed by messages of support.

Tom and Nicki Bradbury, from the Kingswood Bar and Restaurant at London Apprentice, near St Austell, said in an online post: “It has been so difficult to find the right words to update you all after the devastating fire that has destroyed our beloved Kingswood.

“This has not just affected our lives, but the lives of so many of our hardworking and dedicated staff.

“Cornwall Fire and Rescue crews worked tirelessly to try to control the damage but it was just too much and our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them.

“We are unbelievably overwhelmed with the response from everybody locally and afar. Reading all your messages of love and support is really helping us get through such a difficult time. We are so grateful for you all.

“We sincerely hope that we will be able to be in a position to welcome and serve you all once again.”

Pentewan parish councillor Toni Dowrick said: “It’s truly devastating to see a lovely local family business in ruins.

“My heart goes out to Tom, Nicki, their family and staff.”

Pat Smith, the environmental campaigner from Trelowth, said: “They’re worked so hard to make it such a brilliant venue. My heart goes out to them.”

The fire service was alerted to the blaze at the Kingswood complex at just before 2am on Friday.

Crews from St Austell and Mevagissey initially responded and discovered flames shooting into the air from the building. They called in the aerial ladder platform from Truro and other support from St Dennis, Fowey, Lostwithiel, Launceston and Perranporth.

The fire service said that the fire investigation was completed at 6.30pm and the property was handed back to the owners.

However, three appliances from St Austell, Mevagissey and St Dennis had to return to the site later in the evening to extinguish some hotspots.