LUNCHTIME drinkers at the Albion pub in Skipton were forced to leave their pints behind when a fire broke out in the upstairs office.

The pub was evacuated when the smoke alarms sounded just before 1pm. Smoke was billowing from the windows and a vent when two appliances from Skipton Fire Station arrived at the scene.

Firefighters discovered the first floor was heavily smoke logged and an office on the first floor was well alight.

Eighty per cent of the building was severely smoke damaged, but the fire was contained in the office.

It is believed the cause of the blaze may have been a carelessly discarded cigarette.

The pub re-opened on Tuesday.