SEVENTY-tonnes of hay bales have been severely damaged in a fire near Stow.

Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service was called just after 1am today after numerous calls from the public to reports of a fire on the main road just outside the town on the A436.

Two crews from Stow fire station attended and found about 70 tonnes of baled hay and hedgerow well alight.

They used jets to control the fire and police were also on scene assisting with traffic due to smoke covering the main road.

The incident was scaled down just after 6am and one fire crew will remain on scene for sometime damping down.

A road closure is in place between the A436 / A429 at the Unicorn crossroads, Stow, and the A436 / A44 Oddington to Moreton crossroads.

Do you  have any pictures of the fire? Send them to fl@cotswoldjournal.co.uk.