Firefighters battled a fierce blaze which ripped through a barn.

A number of animals had to be evacuated from the building and a man was treated for breathing in smoke as flames tore through the site on Friday night.

Bridport and Lyme Regis firefighters were among several crews called to the incident near Colyford, east Devon.

The fire service described it as a 'busy and challenging night' for crews. The incident was scaled down overnight with a few personnel remaining on scene on Saturday morning supervising the barn which was being allowed to burn out.

Bridport station said its water carrier was alerted to help at 10.30pm.

A spokesman said: "One barn containing hay was well alight. Multiple appliances attended using hose reel jets, main lines, foam and breathing apparatus wearers.

"Adjacent sheds were evacuated of livestock and surrounding properties were protected from the fire.

"After some time the incident was scaled back and our water carrier was no longer required. Crews returned to station at 3am."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said a fire engine from Seaton and one from Colyton were first on scene, and confirmed smoke and flames were issuing from the barn. Additional crews from Sidmouth, Crediton, Axminster and Lyme Regis were then called.

A barn about 30m x 20m containing straw and hay bales was well alight.

A number of calves were rescued from the barn and a vet was on site treating the animals as required.

A further two fire appliances, from Honiton and Ottery St Mary, were requested to supply compressed air foam. The incident support unit from Bovey Tracey was also there, plus the water carrier from Bridport, a welfare unit from Crediton and an incident command unit from Totnes.

By 11.30pm crews were continuing to tackle the fire. Crews confirmed there was asbestos present at this barn fire and an ambulance was requested to attend for one male casualty suffering from smoke inhalation.

The Environment Agency and Public Health England were informed of this incident.

At 3am it was reported the barn was being allowed to burn out under supervision for the next few hours. Compressed air foam jets were still in use.