AN out-of-control bonfire spread and set alight to a barn during a blaze in Boxted.

Fire crews from Colchester and Coggeshall were called to Old House Lane at around 7.05pm on Thursday.

When firefighters arrived they found a barn measuring 10m by 5m was completely alight.

Smoke was billowing into the sky and could be seen from as far away as Colchester.

Fire crews extinguished the fire by around 8.05pm but remained on scene for 40 minutes to check for hotspots.

The barn, which is believed to be on the grounds of the historic grade-II listed Priory House, was badly damaged.

The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental and the fire service have warned of the dangers of bonfires.

A spokesman said: "Incidents like this show how quickly bonfires can spread out of control."

Follow these safety tips to stay safe:

• Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs

• Never leave the bonfire burning unattended

• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side

• NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire

• Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles

• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised at all times

• Pour water on the embers before leaving