Firefighters found 40 ostriches trapped inside a blazing barn today.

Some of the ostriches that survived the fire at Woodhouse Grange Farm, near Sutton-on-Derwent

Emergency crews from York and Pocklington were called to Woodhouse Grange Farm, near Sutton-on-Derwent, at about 5am.

They tackled the flames while helping farm workers herd out the huge birds.

York station officer Richard Riley, said: "It's a strange thing to deal with, holding a hose pipe in one hand and an ostrich in another.

"We have to cope with some weird things in this job, but ostriches are something we don't come across every day."

The firefighters needed to be on careful guard because of the birds' vicious reputation.

Station officer Riley said: "It was quite amusing when we came round the corner and saw all these birds just standing there looking at us, but if you've ever been head-butted by an ostrich you wouldn't be laughing.

"The farm workers told us if the ostriches lowered their heads and lifted their wings we should make sure we are well out of the way."

Another problem was the birds' herding instinct.

Station officer Riley said: "The farm workers had managed to get most of the birds out, but there was still a few left in the barn.

"They are such stupid birds that they follow each other and if any were in the barn others would try to join them."

Four appliances tackled the blaze,which was put out at about 6.30am.

It left seven ostriches dead.

The farm has between 300 and 400 of the birds kept on it. The birds involved in the fire were aged about four months.

They are worth about £100 each.

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