SCORES of piglets died after a massive blaze gripped a farm near Weymouth.

Dozens of firefighters helped tackle huge flames that engulfed a farming unit and killed 180 piglets and 18 sows at Corton Farm in Friar Waddon.

The large farrowing unit suffered severe fire damage and none of the pigs survived.

It had housed 18 sows – 15 of which had 12 piglets each.

Fire crews were alerted to blaze just after 8.30pm on Thursday evening.

It has devastated the livestock of farm owner Robert Lasseter who is Dorset County Chairman of the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Dorset Fire and Rescue said an investigation would continue but the cause is believed to be accidental.

On approaching the farm, crews called for extra man power due to a huge column of smoke seen from a distance.

Appliances from Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Maiden Newton were mobilised to help tackle the blaze.

An animal rescue appliance was also dispatched but soon returned when it became clear that all the animals were dead.

Nearby farmer Luke Mayo, of Friar Waddon Farm, said he had seen huge flames and billowing smoke.

He said: “It completely and utterly destroyed the unit the pigs were in. The first I heard of it were the fire engines going past, I walked up to the top of the hill and saw huge flames and billows of smoke.

Mr Mayo, 23, added: “It is a real shame about the pigs, we know the farmer there and it a great loss.”

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue said: “At 20.35pm the service were called after a report of a farrowing unit on fire at Corton Farm, Friar Waddon in Weymouth.

“Two appliances from Weymouth were mobilised.

“While crews were still some distance away, a large column of smoke could be seen so a third appliance from Dorchester was mobilised.

“On arrival a call was made for more man power – appliances from Portland, Maiden Newton and Dorchester were mobilised along with an animal rescue appliance unit from Poole.

“This unit was soon returned after a message was passed that all animals were dead.

“The fire was extinguished using two main lines, one hose reel jet and one breathing apparatus.

“Severe fire damage was caused to the 20 metre by three metre farrowing unit which contained 18 sows – 15 of which had already farrowed and had 12 piglets each.”

Firefighters returned the following morning to dampen down and begin an investigation.

Heartfelt wishes from community

HEARTFELT wishes were given by one farmer who spoke on behalf of the farming community.

Andy Foot, a farmer who used to be Chairman of the NFU, said many sympathies were given to Robert Lasseter and his family at Corton Farm.

He said: “It is extremely tragic. It is obviously awful for the poor pigs that were lost and the stress that it has caused for Robert and his family.

“It takes an awful long time to get over this kind of incident.

“The whole farming community will be wishing him the deepest sympathies.”