We report Bragg grating writing in a novel germanium-free nitrogen-doped-silica-core pure-silica-cladding fibre. The fibres are shown to be photosensitive when exposed to 193 nm light beam. Refractive index changes higher than 8.4/spl times/10/sup 4/ have been achieved. The dynamics of growth of the Bragg gratings in the non-hydrogen-loaded fibre closely resembles Type IIA gratings in silicate fibres doped with a high concentration of germanium. The temperature stability of the gratings along with the good radiation resistance of N-doped silica fibres open up unique possibilities for many optoelectronic systems intended for use in hostile environment.