SMOKING bales at a farm near Whitchurch was enough to call out Shropshire firefighters on Thursday night.

One crew from Prees was sent to Armoury Lane, in the village, after reports of smoke in the area at around 11pm.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that firefighters used thermal imaging equipment to check for possible ignition sources after reports of the hay bales on fire.

A SFRS spokesman said: “There were reports of bales possibly smoking, concerns for ignition.

“Crews investigated using a thermal imaging camera and moved bales accordingly to lower the temperature.”

A stop message confirming no further assistance was required was sent to SFRS control at 11.47pm.