Artificial grass catches fire at farm in heatwave

A black plume of smoke led to "a high volume of calls" to the fire service

A fire has broken out at a farm in Derbyshire after artificial grass caught alight during soaring temperatures.

Four fire crews from Derbyshire and Staffordshire were dispatched to the scene in Bridle Lane in Stanton, near Swadlincote, at about 12:45 BST on Friday.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the smoke plume from the blaze had led to a high volume of calls and asked people to keep windows and doors closed in the area.

The service added: "Please avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident."

County councillor Amy Wheelton said that she had made contact with the farm and that all people and animals were safe.

She thanked fire crews for their work, and added: "This heat is causing all sorts of issues for everyone, but especially farmers."

Derbyshire is currently experiencing its third official heatwave of the year.

An amber heat health alert has been issued for the East Midlands until Monday.