FIVE fire crews were called to a barn blaze which saw around hay and machinery set alight.

Crews from Bridport and Beaminster were called to Shipton Gorge following reports of the barn fire late last night (April 1).

During the midnight fire, crews are said to have used around 25,000 litres of water.

A spokeswoman from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service (DWFRS) said: "At 11.56pm, both Bridport's pumping appliances, the water carrier and Beaminster Fire Station's pump and light off-road vehicle were mobilised to a barn fire in Shipton Gorge.

"One barn containing hay and machinery was well alight.

"Crews used main lines, small tools and approximately 25,000 litres of water to extinguish the fire."

Previously the fire service said the blaze, which destroyed the barn and its contents, is believed to have started by the hay spontaneously combusting.

They have since said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Crews returned this morning for a reinspection.