FIREFIGHTERS have been called to a blaze involving a large barn, a tractor and 500 tonnes of hay.

Crews from Basildon and Wickford have set up a number of hoses surrounding the barn to control the fire in Newhouse Avenue, which broke out just after 11.30pm yesterday night.

A local farmer assisted crews with their mechanical digger to remove as much unaffacted hay as possible.

Residents living in the area declined to comment, but said they were "lucky to still be here".

A fire service spokesman reported that two fire engines remain at the scene and are damping the fire.