FIRE crews have this afternoon (Thursday) been tackling a fire involving around 1,000 hay bales.

Firefighters from Somerton and Yeovil along with a water carrier were called to the incident at Thorney, Langport, shortly after 2pm.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "On arrival crews confirmed there was a fire in the middle of approximately 1,000 hay bales and got to work trying to extinguish the fire using an attack jet.

"A further two fire engines were requested to attend along with an aerial ladder platform from Martock, Ilminster and Yeovil."

He added: "On site farmers also assisted our crews removing unaffected hay bales using tractors."