A lightning strike set a house in Avonwick on fire as storms hit the South Hams overnight.

Firefighters from Modbury, Ivybridge, Buckfastleigh and Ashburton were called to the village at about 6.15am on Tuesday, July 30.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was out on arrival, but there was still a smell of burning.

An elderly woman and her husband were evacuated and taken to another property while fire crews carried out further checks.

It’s believed that the lightning hit a metal box on the outside of the house, starting an electrical blaze.

Firefighters checked other properties in the area, and the power was isolated and made safe.

Western Power was informed.

No one was injured.