Firefighters have tackled a blaze which tore through the roof of an Aberdeenshire bank.

The fire began at the TSB branch on High Street in Insch shortly after midnight on Friday.

Fire crews were alerted by a nearby resident who spotted smoke issuing from the building.

Around 40 firefighters fought for two and a half hours to extinguish the blaze, which is believed to have been accidental.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The fire had breached the roof of the building and residents living nearby were evacuated to a community centre. There were no casualties.

"A height appliance was used to carry out observation as the crews, including four firefighters wearing protective breathing apparatus, tackled the fire using powerful water jets.

"It was extinguished at 2.23am. Firefighters ensured the area was made safe before leaving the scene at 5am.

"An investigation will be carried out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in due course."