THREE people had a lucky escape after a silo exploded into flames next to their holiday cottage on Monday.

John and Gaynor Edwards, from Kingswinford in the West Midlands, and John's father Jesse, were staying at a holiday cottage at Deepdale Farm, Hummersea Lane, Loftus, when they were startled by a massive explosion from farm buildings, just metres away.

More than 25 firefighters and six fire engines from Loftus, Skelton, Guisborough, Saltburn and Redcar were called to tackle the blaze which started at about 10.40am.

One man, believed to be the father-in-law of farm owner Keith Dale, was taken to the East Cleveland Hospital at Brotton, suffering from burns to his legs.

It is thought that around 20 cows, in a barn which has been completely destroyed by fire, were rescued by the farmer.

Four buildings, including the silo and a grain store, along with two tractors and trailers, were destroyed.

Mrs Edwards, whose holiday in France was cut short after forest fires in July last year, said: "I was terrified. It was such a shock when I heard the explosion. I was shouting, screaming and crying.

"We just grabbed our shoes and ran out of the cottage."

A Cleveland Police spokesman said at the height of the fire flames were coming right over houses in North Terrace, on the opposite side of the road to the farm.

Residents said they were told to close their windows and check them for damage.

Rosmond Tough, of North Terrace, said: "It really shook the living daylights out of me.

"The top of the silo just blew off and the wind was blowing the flames right over the houses. You could really feel the heat."

Eyewitnesses said they believed the fire was started by welding equipment.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control by around 11.45am but a Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesman said crews did not leave the scene until 3.15pm.