A BUS had to be evacuated of 30 children and five members of staff near Chard after a fire broke out in the engine compartment.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service were called to the scene shortly before 10am on Hornsbury Hill.

Two fire engines from Chard were sent to the scene, and on arrival crews confirmed the small fire in the engine compartment of the bus.

30 children and 5 members of staff were evacuated from the bus for safety. Police were also requested for traffic control.

The fire was extinguished using one hose reel jet and a thermal image camera to check for hotspots.

The bus was recovered and a replacement service called to the scene for the children and adults.

Additional clean up was also needed after some engine fluid from the original bus leaked on the road.

The road was cleared by 11.45am.