LONDON, July 28, 2008 (AFP) - A major fire laid waste Monday to a historic pier in the southwest English seaside resort of Weston-Super-Mare, the local fire service said.

Around 30 firefighters fought the massive blaze at the ornate pier, which opened in 1904, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries, Avon Fire and Rescue said.

'It is the most horrendous thing. They are massive red flames, hundreds of feet in the air, all over the pier,' said Jacquie Whelan, owner of the Sunfold Hotel near the pier.

'From where I am standing it just looks like a huge bonfire. It is not going to survive.'

The pier has recently been refurbished and features a new funfair and go-kart track.