A huge fire has engulfed the 19th-Century basilica of Saint-Donatien in the city of Nantes in western France.

The blaze broke out on Monday after morning Mass, with worshipers evacuated from the building, Reverend Benoit Bertrand told local media.

Around 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene to try and extinguish the flames.

However, the fire spread quickly ravaging the rooftop of the historic building.

(BBC)