Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing across the skies above the Shropshire countryside as a blaze destroyed thousands of pounds of hay and straw at a county farm.

The blaze, at Styche Hall Farm, Styche, Market Drayton, was today under investigation by fire officials, who are treating it as being of doubtful origin.

Fire crews from across north Shropshire were called to the farm just before 6am today and were expected to remain there for the rest of today.

Ian Dutton, 66, who owns the farm with his son John, said the alarm was raised by a neighbour. He said it had destroyed £20,000 worth of hay and straw and had damaged three pieces of farm machinery.

Roger Smith, watch manager at Market Drayton fire station, said: “We had a ten bay dutch barn containing approximately 120 tonnes of baled hay and straw.

“The barn was in close proximity to the buildings which housed the cows so we had to protect the surrounding buildings and also a large tank containing 1,500 litres of paraffin in close proximity.

“We are investigating the cause but at this stage it may be of doubtful origin.”

Mr Smith said appliances from Market Drayton, Prees, Hodnet and Whitchurch had attended the scene.

Richard Ewels, police spokesman said: “The cause of the fire has not yet been established.”