A DEVASTATED Burtonwood farmer lost a barn full of hay in a blaze which started in the early hours of Monday morning.

Five fire engines were called to Alder Root Farm, on Hollins Lane, where 10,000 bales of hay, worth an estimated £20,000, went up in flames.

Martin Smith, who owns the farm, said: "We were awoken in the night to the sound of the roof of the barn exploding. By the time we came out, the fire brigade was already here."

The fire took more than 24 hours to extinguish and the large barn in which the hay was stored was completely gutted.

Firefighters were unable to put out the blaze quickly because of the huge amount of dry hay.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but an investigation is under way to determine the reason for the blaze.

Mr Smith, who lives on the farm, said that he was carrying on with his work and waiting until the fire went out. He added that he is insured for the loss.

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