Aerial pictures have captured the extent of the devastation caused by a fire at a Norfolk holiday site.

They show the charred ruins of an amusement arcade, part of the entertainment complex at the Hermanus in Winterton, after fire took hold around lunchtime on Tuesday (August 3).

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The aftermath of the fire at the Hermanus in Winterton.The aftermath of the fire at the Hermanus in Winterton. (Image: Norfotographic)

The images were taken between 3pm and 4pm on the day of the blaze as crews were damping down.

The area with the roof burnt off covers half of the amusements which appear to be totally destroyed. The main dining area is on the east side of the building, overlooking the dunes.

Hermanus manager Jamie Denton said the blaze was "devastating" but hailed the many messages of support from the local community as well as the swift efforts of fire crews.

He said the priority was to make the area safe, but that all three bars had been affected by the smoke and were closed.

Meanwhile power was restored to cottages in the early hours after the fire destroyed the main cable. All the accommodation is self-catering and guests have been able to carry on with their holidays, he added.

"There is quite a lot that has got to be done," he said. "The main thing is to thank everyone for their kind comments and the fire brigade for their brilliant work."

A fleet of emergency vehicles including eight fire crews, at least three ambulances, and several police cars rushed to the site.

People staying in lodges nearby were evacuated and thick smoke was seen billowing into the air, with neighbours reporting it coming into their homes.

An investigation is underway to pinpoint the cause, although fire officers say they believe it to be accidental.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Eight fire crews were called to the blaze at the Hermanus in Winterton which destroyed an arcade area at the holiday site.Eight fire crews were called to the blaze at the Hermanus in Winterton which destroyed an arcade area at the holiday site. (Image: Norfotographic)

The site is well-know for its picturesque, thatched round-houses which escaped the blaze.

Group manager with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service Emyr Gough hailed the actions of crews who did "exceptionally well", bringing the fire under control within around 45 minutes.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: People were told to avoid Winterton as a fleet of emergency vehicles negotiated the narrow access to fight a blaze at the Hermanus holiday centre.People were told to avoid Winterton as a fleet of emergency vehicles negotiated the narrow access to fight a blaze at the Hermanus holiday centre. (Image: Norfotographic)

Three people, understood to be staff, were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Fire crews used water from the site's swimming pool as well as a nearby hydrant to put out the fire.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Fire crews at the scene of a blaze at the Hermanus in Winterton.Fire crews at the scene of a blaze at the Hermanus in Winterton. (Image: Norfotographic)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Fire crews tackled a blaze at the Hermanus in Winterton which is famous for its pastel-coloured, thatched roundhouses.Fire crews tackled a blaze at the Hermanus in Winterton which is famous for its pastel-coloured, thatched roundhouses. (Image: Norfotographic)

Phone lines are currently down and reception staff are working from a picnic table in the grounds.