FIREFIGHTERS expect to be at the scene for some hours following a "severe" fire at an old Dudley school which they spent the night battling.

Six crews from West Midlands Fire Service tackled the flames at the derelict former Sir Gilbert Claughton School in Blowers Green Road last night.

Police, the West Midlands Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team and a fire service hydraulic platform were also at the scene of the blaze.

A spokesman for the fire service said the incident had been "challenging" as parts of the former school building were collapsing but this morning (Sunday) the incident was being scaled down.

Halesowen News: The former school building in Blowers Green Road, Dudley, where firefighters worked through the night to fight the flames. Pic - West Midlands Fire ServiceThe former school building in Blowers Green Road, Dudley, where firefighters worked through the night to fight the flames. Pic - West Midlands Fire Service

The spokesman added: "However, we still expect to be there for some hours."

Western Power, Dudley Council and Cadent Gas were also alerted to the incident which saw the road closed to traffic and people advised to stay clear of the area.