FIREFIGHTERS battled for four hours to contain a hay bale blaze on farmland near Semington.

Three crews from Melksham and Trowbridge were called to the blaze off Hilperton Road on Saturday night.

Hose jets were used to prevent the fire engulfing a barn and herds of cattle were moved to a nearby field for safety.

The blaze broke out in 800 tonnes of hay and straw just before midnight.

Firefighters managed to save half of the hay stock by using a fire-breaker to shield the flames and the blaze was brought under control by 4am.

Investigators were called in but do not suspect arson.

One crew stayed at the barn until 8.30pm on Sunday to prevent the fire re-igniting.