Blaze at Manchester's historic Wythenshawe Hall

The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall came out in defiance today to say the historic landmark is open for business as usual.

The 16th century timber-framed listed building was set on fire last week, totally destroying the roof and most of the timber structure.

More than 50 firefighters battled to save the historic Hall with 10 fire engines and more than 50 firefighters bringing the blaze under control.

Wythenshawe Hall is a 16th-century medieval timber-framed historic house and former stately home set in 250m acres now known as Wythenshawe Park.

But that didn't deter volunteers in period costume today as they rallied round to let locals know that it's business as usual.

Paul Crone has this report.

It's business as usual at Wythenshawe hall today despite a fire which destroyed large parts of the building more than a week ago.

All the free easter activities will be hosted in pop up spaces in the grounds.

The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall will be dressed in traditional costume throughout the day.

It's believed a fire which devastated Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester may have been started deliberately at the front door.

The historic stately home was badly damaged in the arson attack.

The fire spread to the roof of the timber building yesterday.

Greater Manchester Police say the fire at Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester is being treated as suspicious.

Police officers and the fire service have begun a preliminary investigation of the building and are now appealing for anyone who may have and information to come forward.

• Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 4882, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

More than 50 firefighters have fought to save Wythenshawe Hall after a fire broke out there.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service say they're looking into whether the fire was started deliberately.

Matt O'Donoghue reports:

The blaze at Wythenshawe Hall, the Tudor mansion in Manchester has caused "devastating" major damage.

At its peak more than 50 firefighters using 10 appliances and an aerial platform to battle flames at Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester.

The flames badly damaged the 16th century building's clock tower and its roof after fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.

The building, which was built around 1540, was the home of the Tatton family for hundreds of years. Its history includes being besieged by Parliamentary forces during the Civil War. It was given to Manchester City Council in 1929.

Mr Pickstone earlier said that the roof and the first floor has been "lost" after the fire struck in the "main black and white traditionally clad Tudor building with the historic clock tower" at around 3.30am.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have released aerial footage of the blaze:

Paul Selby from Friends of Wythenshawe Hall spoke at the scene: