Huge barn fire near Ludlow

More than 40 firefighters from across two counties tackled a huge barn blaze involving up to 800 tonnes of hay and straw at a farm on the south Shropshire border today.

Firefighters from across Shropshire and Hereford were called out at the height of the blaze at Fair View Farm, in Greete, near Ludlow, this morning.

Crews were expected to remain at the scene for most of the day.

A spokeswoman for the service said the fire said no-one had been injured.

It is believed the fire started as a result of internal combustion.

Crews from Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Tenbury, Leominster, Craven Arms, Tweedale, Bridgnorth and Cleobury Mortimer attended.

A spokesman for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said a large amount of hay and straw had been completely destroyed by the fire.

"The barn is about 50 metres by 20 metres, containing hay and straw which was well alight," he said.

Owner Ray Horton said his barn and up to 800 tonnes of hay and straw had been completely destroyed.

He said: "I've been left in complete shock.

"I'm a hay and straw merchant and as I was leaving this morning I noticed that there was smoke coming out from the barn.

"I alerted the fire service straight away but the barn has been completely destroyed by the fire.

"I did attempt to drag some of the contents out using a tractor but unfortunately I couldn't get to most of it.

"I've been doing this for more than 30 years and nothing like this had ever happened before, so I'm devastated.

"It was internal combustion that caused it," he added.

By Anwen Evans