A historic paper mill says it has suffered “extensive damage” after a large fire broke out - and it is unsure if its machines have survived.

Firefighters were scrambled to an industrial unit in Apsley after receiving numerous calls at around 3.30pm on Saturday about smoke in the area.

A photo taken from the air showed at least seven fire engines lined up near the Frogmore Paper Mill with smoke billowing out of the site.

The blaze has since been brought under control and put out, but crews remained on the scene throughout the evening.

Simon Tunhill, assistant chief fire officer at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, posted pictures on twitter of firefighters tackling the blaze.

Read more - Historic paper mill site 'on fire' as at least seven fire engines rush to scene

He said: “Well done to all the crews at yesterdays large fire in Frogmore Paper Mill in #HemelHempstead. They worked incredibly hard to save as much of the building and it’s historic contents as possible.”

The Mill, which is home to the oldest mechanical paper mill in the world, announced today (Sunday) that it will be closed to visitors “until further notice” following the blaze.

It is not clear if its paper machines have survived but the Mill is hopeful they have done so.

It said in a statement on Facebook: “Thankfully nobody was injured during the fire, but there has been extensive damage to the Mill's visitor centre.

“We're in the process of assessing the damage to the site and our collection, and we're hopeful that our historic working paper machines have survived.

“We're extremely grateful for the quick response of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue and their work to bring the fire under control. We're working with the police and Fire Service to help determine the cause of the fire.”