About 100 firefighters were called out to the scene
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An Elizabethan manor house has been severely damaged in a major fire in the roof.
Villagers formed a human chain to save a valuable collection of books and furniture from Wardington Manor, near Banbury in Oxfordshire.
About 100 firefighters were called out to the house to tackle the fire, on Friday morning.
Fire officers and the manor owners' daughter have praised local residents for their help in tackling the fire.
The cause of the fire is not yet known
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Helen Pease, whose parents, Lord and Lady Wardington, are away on holiday, said that she was overwhelmed by the villagers' kindness.
She said: "They have been absolutely outstanding.
"I have lived here all my life. I love the house so I am gutted."
Fire investigators were at the scene of the fire throughout Friday but its cause has yet to be established.
The alarm was raised by a passing postman, who had seen smoke coming from the roof of the manor.
Its ground and first floors were largely undamaged in the fire, which was attended by 15 fire appliances from across Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.
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