Beachamwell community looking to rebuild 11th-century Norfolk church gutted by devastating blaze
Watch dramatic footage of the blaze shot by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
Parishioners shocked and devastated after their 1,000-year-old village church was wrecked by fire say they are confident it can be re-built and restored to its former glory.
The blaze ripped through the thatched roof of St Mary's in Beachamwell near Swaffham in Norfolk on Wednesday, leaving just a shell open to the elements.
The Grade I-listed building is one of the country's oldest medieval churches.
Patricia Clarke, who is treasurer of the local parochial church council, told ITV News Anglia: "It was just shock and horror. Everybody in the village was devastated."
But she expressed hopes that the church would be fully restored.
The church was undergoing restoration work after lead was stolen from the roof.
Ms Clarke revealed parishioners worst fears after the fire. She said: "Is it going to just be another ruin? That was my first worry, will it be left like this?
"But having spoken to all the people concerned this morning, it looks like it will be restored, hopefully to its former glory, complete with thatch."