A quick shower and slice of toast later I was on my way to the scene of the fire, not quite knowing what to expect when I got there.

When I arrived, at around 7.30am, the fire was pretty much out and the first thing that struck me was what a terrific job the firefighters had done.

It was clear from listening to the reports of some of the first crews on the scene and eyewitnesses just how serious the blaze could have been.

Our pictures show the flames spiralling into the sky and it is a real testament to the numerous fire crews that the blaze was under control within two hours of them arriving on the scene.

Sadly, the main part of the magnificent Georgian building is in a sorry state but the hotel's rooms and, thankfully, the neighbouring Woodpeckers' Nursery was spared.

So well done all the crews that were on the scene on Friday.


Has everyone been watching where they have been parking this past week?

I certainly have. The arrival in Sudbury of The Terminator, aka Pcso John Woodgate, seems to have instilled a bit of fear into motorists.

Everyone I have spoken to is watching where and how they are parking, not wanting to catch the eye of the man who issued 11,000 tickets in 11 years in Haverhill.

As most people have said though, park legally and you will be fine. I think most people would agree something needs to be done to stop people parking on double yellow lines or in loading bays in the town. It has got out of hand.

Now we have a man who will clamp down on these offenders and remember, if The Terminator doesn't catch you first time... he'll be back!

Sorry – couldn't resist it.