FIREFIGHTERS from several Herefordshire brigades tackled a barn fire that smouldered through the night.

Crews from Hereford, Bromyard, Ledbury, Kington, Leintwardine, Kingsland, Leominster, Craven Arm, Ludlow, Tenbury Wells, Eardisley and Presteigne were in action.

A water carrier from Llandod fire station was also sent to help.

They were called to a blazing barn in Leintwardine at 7.30pm yesterday.

Water pumped from the nearby river Teme was used to douse the flames.

A road had to be closed when a wall became unstable.

Crews remained at the site for several hours to damp down and ensure embers did not set light to nearby woodland.

Actor John Challis – best known for playing Boycie in TV's Only Fools and Horses – lives in the area. He said on Twitter: "Massive fire broke out in a barn on the other side of the lane around 4pm.

"Pottering in the greenhouse when I heard bangs and explosions, looked up and there’s flames and smoke.

"Rushed over and it was well away so phoned 999."

He later visited the scene and said on Twitter: "The fire engines are STILL here 24 hours later keeping an eye on the still-smouldering pile of pooh. Hah!"

Later he said: "Depressing start to the year but luckily no livestock in there.

"Machinery, fertiliser and straw all destroyed and barn gone!

"Asbestos roof so masks all round and six fire engines! Still smoking now."