Chickens saved from roasting

Thousands of chickens were saved from being roasted alive in a farm fire in Shropshire.

About 30 firefighters dealt with Wednesday morning's incident at Heal's Poultry, which is on the A53 between Shawbury and Hodnet.

The fire destroyed a potato shed, but was prevented from spreading to nearby chicken houses where thousands of the birds are kept.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service's deputy chief fire officer Gerry Scutt said the fire could have been a lot more serious.

"It was pretty dangerous because the crews did have to manoeuvre themselves between buildings, and there was a chance the smoke and fumes could've spread fairly quickly.

"We're just satisfied we were able to save the other buildings and the chickens."

It is believed an electrical fault was to blame for the fire.