Children raised the alarm when a fire broke out at a garage in Trowbridge.

A boat stored in the garage in Newleaze, Hilperton, was destroyed in the blaze on Wednesday afternoon.

Children playing close by saw smoke seeping from the garage door just after 3pm, but by the time they reached home to raise the alarm the fire had taken hold.

Firefighters from Melksham and Trowbridge used breathing apparatus and hose reels to tackle the flames.

Nearby resident Sharon Stevens said fire engines were on the scene within minutes.

"One of the garages was clearly on fire and there was an old boat left inside," she said.

"There were a lot of bangs and thick black smoke pouring out.

"A couple of my son's friends were playing nearby and saw the smoke. They ran to tell their mums but before they got to the house there was a massive bang.

"I think the boat had been stored in the garage for over a year."

The terraced garages are owned by West Wiltshire Housing Society and are used by tenants living in homes nearby.

The picture was taken by Wiltshire Times reader Andy Stevens.