A FARMER had a lucky escape after his tractor caught fire while he was driving it.

The Renault tractor burst into flames at the farm in Fladbury, near Pershore, at about 6.20pm yesterday afternoon.

Crews from Evesham Fire Station were called to the scene and found the flames had spread to 300 sq m of cut hay and 30 metres of fencing.

A spokesman from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed the fire had been caused by the extreme heat.

“The guys had to work very hard in some very challenging conditions,” he said.

The tractor was completely destroyed, but the farmer was unhurt and homes in the area were not affected.