Five pigs had to be destroyed after a fire swept through a huge barn at a farm in the Holmfirth district last night.

Darren Bagley, watch commander of Huddersfield Fire Station said crews were called out to Martins Nest Farm, Grime Lane at 10pm.

He said: "As we approached it was apparent that we were going to need more pumps, there were five in the end. As well as ourselves there was Skelmanthorpe, Meltham, Elland and Penistone from South Yorkshire.

"Water was a big issue, there was only one small hydrant. All we could do was to protect one shed full of pigs prior to other pumps arriving and getting more water.

"It probably took three quarters of an hour to get more water from another source. Five pigs in the main barn, which was 50m x 20m had to be destroyed but they managed to rescue some pigs out of the barn. A vet was in attendance which helped.

"We successfully protected adjoining buildings containing chickens and pigs.

"In the end we got water from a reservoir about half a mile away using a hose layer from Mirfield and ended up saving half the barn.

"The farmer had done a great job removing some propane cylinders and rescuing the pigs. At the moment we have no idea what started the fire which was put out at 2.30am