Firefighters battled through the night to put out a blaze at a derelict hotel in Weston-super-Mare.

Weston Mercury: The blaze at the Lynton House Hotel.The blaze at the Lynton House Hotel. (Image: Magic Candle Photography)

Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Lynton House Hotel, in Madeira Road, just after 6pm last night (Saturday).

The fire started on the first floor and engulfed the building with smoke billowing out across the seafront.

Eight crews – from Weston, Avonmouth, Bedminster, Clevedon, Nailsea and Yatton – battled the blaze and police and ambulance crews were also in attendance.

The fire has now been extinguished, but an inspection is currently taking place to ensure there are no hot spots.

Weston Mercury: Firefighters in action at the Lynton House Hotel blaze last night.Firefighters in action at the Lynton House Hotel blaze last night. (Image: Magic Candle Photography)

Jim Wemyss, area manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed specialist search and rescue team have been called in to determine the cause of the fire,

An update on the investigation is expected later today.

The run-down hotel has been a target for squatters and arsonists. A planning application was submitted in April last year to knock down the hotel and turn it into flats.

Weston Mercury: The Lynton House Hotel in flames.The Lynton House Hotel in flames. (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: The fire taking hold of the Lynton House Hotel. Photo taken by Richard Heiron.The fire taking hold of the Lynton House Hotel. Photo taken by Richard Heiron. (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Firefighters battling the blaze.Firefighters battling the blaze. (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Firefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay CurtisFirefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay Curtis (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Firefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay CurtisFirefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay Curtis (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Firefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay CurtisFirefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay Curtis (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Firefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay CurtisFirefighters tackling a blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Timmay Curtis (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Weston Mercury: Several fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen HigginsSeveral fire engines attended the blaze at Lynton House Hotel. Picture: Aideen Higgins (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)