A NEWPORT hotel being given a new lease of life was damaged by fire yesterday. Two fire engines were called to the blaze at the Queens Hotel, pictured, at 6.45pm.

It took just 15 minutes for firemen to control the fire, underneath the third floor of the building in Bridge Street, which was fuelled by rubbish.

Firemen used breathing apparatus and a jet reel hose and removed floorboards to bring the fire under control.

The Queens Hotel is currently under renovation and it is not yet known what caused the small rubbish fire at the site.

Gwent police were contacted as a matter of procedure but the cause of the blaze is not thought to be suspicious.

No one was hurt or in danger and the extent of the damage is not yet known. The hotel and pub, a key feature in that part of the town centre, has been closed for several years and due to reopen in November following refurbishment and alterations to the outside.

One of the most significant changes will be to the ground floor and basement where a new bar area will be installed with a balcony overlooking the basement.

The bar in the Queen's Room and Duke's Room is being removed and the area turned into a kitchen and staff accommodation.

The lay-out of the second floor hotel rooms will remain as it is.

Most of the external alterations will be on the ground floor on both sides of the building.

On Baneswell Road, two of the windows will be replaced by a new entrance with a "feature" surround reflecting the arch details on the adjacent windows.