HUNDREDS of tonnes of baled straw were set alight in a late night blaze.

Fire crews from Tollesbury and Tiptree were called to a field in School Lane, Great Wigborough after reports of a fire.

When they arrived, the teams found that around 300 tonnes of hay bales were alight.

The incident happened at around 3am this morning (Saturday August 24).

A spokesman for the Essex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We worked quickly to protect surrounding risks and bring the fire under control.

"Firefighters worked throughout the night to dampen down the fire and ensure the surrounding area was safe.

"Due to the nature of the fire, crews expect to to stay at the incident for some time today until the area is completely cool."