Firefighters were called to a large field fire in south Essex after winds helped it to spread rapidly.

On arrival to the scene near Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon at 1.35pm, crews from Rochford and Hawkwell reported around seven hectares of crop was on fire.

With winds in the area helping the fire to spread rapidly, crews requested the help of two more crews from Rayleigh and Southend as well as an off-road vehicle from Billericay.

Firefighters from across south Essex worked together to extinguish the blaze by 2.40pm. The cause was accidental.

Watch Manager John Palmer from Rochford Fire Station said: “Summer is a busy time for us with field fires and you can help us to prevent them by being extra cautious while everything is so dry.

“Avoid having bonfires or disposable BBQs, stub out all cigarettes properly before discarding of them, take any litter home with you if you can’t find a bin and if you see someone starting a fire, please call 999 immediately.”