THE A303 has now reopened after a hay fire caused delays on the A303 and closed a 10 mile stretch of the road.

Emergency services were caled after a lorry carrying 12 tonnes of hay went up in flames on the South Somerset stretch.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were first called to the scene shortly after 1pm today (April 25).

A lorry was found to be well alight on the A303 near Marsh.

Two fire engines and a water carrier were rushed to the scene.

A fire service spokesman said: "Crews set about extinguishing the fire involving six tonnes of hay on main vehicle, with a trailer carrying a further six tonnes being detached to prevent fire spread.

"Police were required for full road closure.

"Crews requested additional crews and another Water Carrier to assist with firefighting. Crews were at work with a farmers telehandler removing hay to prevent fire spread. Compressed Air Foam was also in use to extinguish the fire."

Highways England was forced to shut the road all the way from the A358 Southfields roundabout to the junction with the A30 near Yarcombe - a 10 mile stretch.

There was a diversion route in place and motorists were advised to exit the A303, head south to Chard and at the A30 turn right onto the A30 travelling west to rejoin the A303.

Highways England said there was damage to the road surface and a road sweeper was asked to assist with carriageway clean-up. 

 Firefighters also remained at the scene to ensure the fire does not reginite and the road was reopened at around 9.10pm.