A BARN full of winter feed for cattle went up in flames last night on a farm near Maidstone.

Two hundred tonnes of hay burnt ferociously through the night at Pympes Court Farm, Busbridge Road in Loose. Investigators believe that the fire may have been started deliberately.

About 20 fire fighters, from Maidstone, Headcorn and Marden, were called in to prevent the blaze spreading to nearby homes. A crew from Strood was called in to deal with potential danger from asbestos in the barn roof.

Firefighters had to let the fire, covering an area of 15 metres by 30 metres, burn down into this morning before putting it out.

Helpful neighbours supplied them with refreshments through the night.