A farmer has told how he could only watch in horror as his office building went up in flames, destroying all his records and paperwork.

James Macdonald, of Old House Farm, Harwich Road, Beaumont, was alerted to the blaze at about 2.30am today (Wednesday) by his son, Stuart.

Along with his wife, Janet, they rushed across to the outbuildings but there was nothing they could do.

"All we could do was stand and watch," he said. "My office was razed to the ground - it is just ashes."

Mr Macdonald, this year's Tendring Show president, said the office also contained a desk of sentimental value which belonged to his father, and other belongings.

"Everything has gone - all my paperwork for the farm," he added.

"We are still trying to collect ourselves together and see what we can do now."

Four crews of firefighters fought the blaze until about 6am. One fire engine was still at the scene this morning with firefighters making sure it was completely out and damping down.

Two engines from Clacton, one from Frinton and one from Weeley went to the call.

Sub-officer Terry Roberts, from Clacton, said a full investigation would be carried out but at this stage it was not being treated as suspicious.

He said there were electrical appliances, including a computer, in the building where it started.

"It was a severe blaze at the seat of the fire and it spread to two other buildings which were also damaged," he said.

"One office building was completely destroyed and one either side was also damaged."

Firefighters used six jets and hosereels to fight the blaze.

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