A FIREFIGHTER needed hospital treatment and several others received first aid after disturbing a wasps' nest as they fought a barn fire in Langton Green, near Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday night.

The men were attacked by a swarm of angry insects which had built a nest in a hydrant needed to supply water to the scene at Hole Farm, in Farnham Lane/Nellington Road.

The man taken to the Kent and Sussex Hospital, suffered stings to his face and nostrils. Colleagues who were stung were given anti-histamine injections but were able to remain on duty.

The blaze broke out shortly after 10pm and three fire engines from Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall fire stations, plus a hose-laying unit from Tonbridge, attended.

Crews, led by Sub Officer Alan Veness, of Tunbridge Wells fire station's green watch, spent four hours tackling the fire, which destroyed a quantity of hay and farm machinery.