A QUICK-thinking farmer jumped into the cab of a burning lorry and diverted disaster.

When Peter Withers, who owns P Withers Engineering, based in Moat House Lane, Hindlip, Worcester, discovered that a lorry carrying hay was on fire near his business and home, he got into the cab of the vehicle and drove it away from near-by buildings.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, which spent 12 hours tackling the blaze on Thursday (Sept 20) night, has called Mr Wither's actions brave.

Spokesman for the service Alec Mackie said: "He was told by a neighbour that a lorry carrying hay was on fire.

"Bravely, he jumped into the cab and drove it away, which stopped it spreading to the main house.

"The fire did spread to one building but did not cause as much damage as it could have."

Firefighers were called to the farm just before 9pm and were still putting it out at 9am the next morning.

They are now treating the cause of the blaze as suspicious.