WATCH: Dramatic drone footage shows fire at £10.7m Okehampton school

A large fire has broke out earlier this evening at a multimillion-pound specialist school in Okehampton.

Dramatic drone footage, supplied to The Moorlander by Brian Johnston, reveals the scale of the emergency at The Promise School in Dartmoor View. Plumes of thick black smoke can be seen rising from the site as fire crews from across the region battle the flames.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it has sent a significant response to the scene, including six fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, and two water carriers.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police and crews from the South Western Ambulance Service are also in attendance. Residents living nearby have been advised to keep all windows and doors closed due to the volume of smoke.

The fire involves one of the town's newest educational facilities. The Promise School is a specialist academy for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The purpose-built campus cost £10.7 million to construct and only officially opened its doors in September 2022. It was designed to provide places for up to 100 children aged between four and 16.

Emergency services remain at the scene tonight.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, and The Moorlander has contacted the emergency services for further updates on the situation.