Firefighters from Sidmouth and Ottery were among those called to a fire yesterday in which 6,000 chickens died.

The incident happened in Perkins Village, near Aylesbeare, at 10.34am, when crews from Exmouth, Exeter, Topsham and Honiton were also called to the chicken shed fire.

The blaze was in a building measuring 50m by 20m. Crews were able to assist with moving cattle and other livestock to safety, but 6,000 chickens did not survive.

The cause of the fire was said to be accidental.