A SPECIALIST wildfire unit has been called in to assist at the scene of a blaze involving a tractor and farmland in Warrington.

Six crews were dispatched to the incident off Prospect Lane in Rixton shortly before 5pm this afternoon.

Firefighters brought the fire under control and once they had access to the tractor, began to tackle the flames on the vehicle.

At 8pm the number of fire engines in attendance was reduced to four as the crews continue to work extinguish the blaze.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Firefighters are in attendance at a large grass fire in Warrington. Six fire engines were at the scene along with a specialist wildfire unit.

"Firefighters have brought the grass fire under control and are attempting to access a tractor which is also involved in the fire.

"By 8pm the number of fire engines was reduced to four plus the wildfire unit.

"The wildfire unit is tackling the right hand flank of fire, while two fire engines fight the left flank and two further engines tackle the fire involving the tractor."