FIRE crews who battled a large blaze in Aberystwyth have thanked the local business community for their help keeping them fed and watered.

Twelve fire crews fought the fire at Ty Belgrave House hotel early on Wednesday morning.

Brave firefighters were given food and supplies by several businesses as the battle to dampen the blaze continued.

Donations were received by businesses including PD’s Diner on the promenade, Morrisons on Parc y Llyn Retail Park, and Tesco Aberystwyth.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it owed a “big thank you” to the businesses for their “kind donations”.

The service said it was an “act of kindness” and showed “great community spirit”.

Tesco Aberystwyth said it “donated sandwiches and other food to help replenish the energy levels” of “all emergency crews who attended the fire”.

Coffee #1 on Terrace Road were thanked for providing firefighters with drinks throughout the day.

The British Red Cross also activated an agreement with Tesco so that toiletries and clothing could be provided to the dozens of people rescued from the hotel, and evacuated from neighbouring properties.

British Red Cross volunteers worked with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police to “provide practical and emotional support to those affected by the fire”.

British Red Cross emergency response operations manager for Wales Rob Donovan said: “Our volunteers are very experienced in providing practical and emotional support to those affected by emergencies of this kind and we have volunteers on standby should those affected require support beyond Wednesday.”

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