THESE dramatic pictures show flames leaping from hundreds of hay bales which firefighters fought to bring under control for over seven hours at a farm in Droitwich.

Bedding for cows at Churchfield's Farm was destroyed in the blaze which saw firefighters from across the county called in to help extinguish last night (Thursday).

Crews from Droitwich, Evesham, Kidderminster and Worcester left the field, off Chawson Lane, Salwarpe, at around 11.30am this morning (Friday).

It is not known what started the fire.

Gillian Kerton, one of the partners at the farm, said they found out about the fire when firefighters arrived at the farm.

"We don't know how it started, there has been some speculation but the firefighters are only just leaving.

"The fire service did a fantastic job because the fire was really very close to a tall hedge and if that caught fire it would have been a lot worse.

"The fire hasn't affected the farm itself, everything is still open.

"We're not sure who reported it because I was on the school run when the fire brigade came down and alerted us to it.

"The hay bales were meant to be used for the cow's bedding so we will have to now buy some more in."

Richard Greenway saw the fire as he took his daughter to her singing lessons at a neighbouring house.

He said: "I was next door hanging about for my daughter who attends singing lessons at the cottage from 4.55pm to 5.45pm.

"The fire had took hold but was in the early stages of combustion and the fire brigade had just arrived alerting me to the commotion being next door as I was waiting in the garden.

"The flames were small initially when I first took a look at what was happening but the damp silage continued to burn and became established rapidly.

"I was told by fire crew that they would only be able to control and dowse down but if they drenched the hay it could burn for days as it had become too established in a few minutes.

"The trees along the drive to the other property off Chawson Lane rapidly became scorched and the canopy was dowsed in water to prevent this combusting and thus protect the cottages on the other side of the drive."

A spokeswoman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue said they were called at just after 4.30pmand sent two fire engines from the town.

"There was also a water carrier and appliance from Evesham, one from Worcester and one from Kidderminster as well.

"The fire involved around 500 bales of hay and relief crews worked through the night dampening down."