FIRE crews from as far away as Exeter were called to deal with a blaze which destroyed an area of heathland on the Quantock Hills on Wednesday evening (April 2).

The fire near West Bagborough burned into the early hours of Thursday before the firefighters were confident it was completely out.

Crews used beaters and Scotty backpacks alongside all terrain vehicles and a tractor with a water bowser and three fire engines to deal with the blaze, which was reported shortly before 8.30pm.

Firefighters were mobilised from Nether Stowey, Taunton, Bridgwater, and Middlemoor, in Exeter.

The incident came as an amber wildfire alert was issued for some of the country with temperatures rising and dry conditions expected to continue into the Easter holidays.