A WOMAN has died following a fire at an historic former hotel in Meirionnydd.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to a report of the fire at Bontddu Hall on the A496 between Dolgellau and Barmouth at 9.09am this morning (Friday, 5 June).

Fire appliances from Dolgellau, Harlech, Barmouth, Bala and Blaenau Ffestiniog attended.

An aerial ladder platform, high volume pump and the incident command unit were mobilised to the incident.

A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed this afternoon that a woman was rescued by firefighters but sadly died at the scene.

The cause of the fire will be the subject of a joint investigation by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.

Bontddu Hall was built in 1873 and as a hotel has attracted guests from all over the world, including Richard Burton and Sean Connery.

The former hotel is currently a private residence.