Residents in a West Cornwall village have been told to stay indoors and keep their windows shut this evening as fire crews battle a large agricultural blaze.

Crews from a number of stations in Cornwall have been fighting the flames throughout the evening.

The fire has involved around 40 bales of hay, which were discovered to be alight in the St Hilary area just before 4.20pm.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service received a 999 call at that time, regarding a fire in the open near Belvedere Lane.

One crew from Penzance was sent initially, but on arrival the incident commander called for the help of a second crew.

A fire engine that had been on its way to Penzance to provide cover was then redirected to the incident.

By 5.06pm a further call for help had been made for a third engine, and a Mullion crew that had been en route to Penzance to stand by were instead sent to St Hilary.

Ten minutes later two main jets were being used to fight the flames, as well as two high pressure fans, with four firefighters in breathing equipment.

Just after 5.30pm the fire service put out a warning on social media to say: “URGENT: Residents in the St Hilary area are advised to stay indoors and close windows where possible due to a large smoke plume from a fire involving over 40 bales of hay.”

A fourth fire crew was then called in just after 6pm, as the fire continued to rage, with a further engine coming from Penzance to help attempts to bringing the flames under control.

By 6.30pm four fire engines from St Just, Penzance and Mullion stations were at the scene.

A fire service spokesperson at that time said: “Crews are still working hard to extinguish the fire. Our advice remains the same to stay inside with doors and windows closed.”

Crews have remained on scene through the evening, fighting the fire.

We will bring more updates as we get them.