Crews tackle 'huge' factory blaze

About 100 firefighters were called to the blaze [Picture by George Aitkenhead]

About 100 firefighters have been tackling a huge blaze at a factory in Clackmannanshire.

The fire broke out at the Benkert factory in Alva, which prints cigarette filter papers, at about 1200 GMT.

Nearby Alva Academy was evacuated as a precautionary measure as, what locals described as, a "huge blaze" took hold. It will remain closed on Wednesday.

A Central Scotland Police spokesman said there were no casualties and everyone had been accounted for.

A statement from Clackmannanshire Council said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a large-scale fire at a factory in Alva.

"Fumes from the fire may cause mild irritation and the police are advising residents in Alva to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution."

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue said it had 100 firefighters and 11 appliances at the scene.

Benkert employs about 180 people at its Alva site.