FIRE crews will remain at the scene of a large barn blaze in the Yorkshire Dales overnight.

The fire at a farm just off the A684 at Melmerby, near Leyburn, is expected to continue to burn for several hours.

At the height of the blaze, at about 6pm, eight fire crews were at the scene.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the fire at 4.45pm and initially had difficulties getting enough water to the farm to tackle the fire in a large, three-bay barn containing straw.

A command support unit was set up to help co-ordinate the operation, and a high volume water pump from Richmond and a water bowser were brought in.

By 8.30pm, the fire service said the blaze had been contained in one bay of the barn.

Shortly after 10pm, a spokeswoman for the service confirmed that the incident had been scaled back, with fire crews from Hawes, Leyburn, Richmond and Bedale due to remain at the scene overnight.

"Crews are dealing with various different sections of the barn," said the spokeswoman.

"We are now there in a defensive capacity, keeping the fire away from surrounding buildings.

"The fire is still burning and probably will through the night."

Crews used breathing equipment and three water jets to tackle the blaze.