FIRE crews battled to contain a fire which broke out in a warehouse the size of a football pitch.

They were called out to the fire at Blackwood Grain Store, on the A163 at North Duffield, near Selby, just before 5am on Saturday.

Firefighters had to cut their way in to the 110m by 50m warehouse.

They rescued a shovel loader and articulated lorry parked inside and contained the fire.

Arson is not suspected because the organic nature of the material kept in the grain store means it can generate its own heat and self-combust. However, the case is still under investigation.

Four appliances – from Selby, Howden and York – were called out to deal with the fire.

Two officers were on the scene and a water bowser was brought in from Tadcaster because the supply in the area was insufficient. The crews also used an aerial ladder platform.