Fire crews were called to the Co-operative store, Westfield, at around 5.35 a.m. on Wednesday, with a man in his 90s reportedly rescued unhurt from the two storey building.

Whilst the cause of the fire is thought to have been accidental, the store will have to stay closed in the short term due to the effects of smoke.

A spokesperson for the Radstock Co-operative Society said: "I can confirm that there was an incident at the Westfield Convenience Store (1 Elm Tree Avenue) at approximately 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning, resulting in the closure of the store until further notice due to smoke damage.

"No-one was injured and the fire service was able to contain the situation before any structural damage was caused.

"Colleagues who work at the store are being deployed to other local stores whilst the cause of the incident is investigated and refurbishment work completed. This may take several weeks.

"In the meantime, customers may wish to use the Co-op’s two other local stores, 32 Fosseway and the Radco Superstore, for their shopping needs."