WORKERS at a recycling plant are tackling a fire in a compost heap which could last several days.

Yorwaste's Harewood Whin site near York reported the fire started on Monday evening but it is still being extinguished by staff, who are breaking up the heap to prevent it from spreading.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene but are satisfied it is safe, however, the fire could burn for the next few days.

A spokesman for the company said: "On the advice of the fire brigade, who have visited the site, we are allowing the fire to burn itself out naturally, but whilst this is happening, and because of the natural composting process, it is causing steam to rise into the air.

He added: "There is absolutely no risk to the public but we would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."