A £1 MILLION Picasso collection and big collection of rare rock and pop memorabilia escaped a major blaze at an auction house near Musselburgh last Saturday, it has been revealed.

Firefighters were called to Charles Phillips & Sons premises at 12.09pm last Saturday following reports of a fire which had taken hold in a two storey building at Drummore House on North Berwick road.

Crews from Musselburgh, Newcraighall and Dalkeith raced to the scene at Wallyford Toll.

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "Operations control mobilised a number of fire engines and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames. Crews left the scene at 4.10pm after ensuring the area was made safe."

Managing director, Paul Young, said the auction house, which has been in operation at the site for more than 20 years, was closed at the time, and there were no casualties.

He explained that collection of original Picasso works of art, worth £1 million, plus a large collection of rare rock and pop memorabilia were safe from the blaze.

"All the customers items were safe as well which is good news," he added.

He explained that the fire was in an extension at the back of the building which, when the premises was a hotel, was the dining area.

"There is smoke damage and quite a bit of stock and structural damage. It will take about three months to clear up and roofs will have to be replaced. It is quite a major thing."

He stressed that it would be "business as usual" and auctions would still be held at the premises.

"We will keep going and are very resilient." he added.

Mr Young said the cause of the blaze was not yet known.