A netball match held at a Garston school was disrupted this afternoon after a fire broke out in the gym.

Fire crews from Watford, Garston and St Albans attended Parmiter’s School, in High Elms Lane, at 1.30pm and were there clearing the area for a couple of hours.

Red Watch crew commander Tony McMenamin told the Watford Observer: “When we arrived we found a toaster in the staff quarters of the gym on fire.

“Although the fire was swiftly extinguished there was a lot of smoke, which took a while to clear as the windows can’t be opened.

“I imagine the gym will be out of operation for a while, there was significant fire and smoke damage, especially to the staff area.”

Despite the netball match being held on the grounds, no-one was seriously hurt as staff raised the alarm, ensuring the premises were evacuated.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation.