Firefighters from Slough, Langley, Windsor, Gerrards Cross and Egham battled a blaze in a corn field near Datchet on Monday afternoon - which destroyed 10 acres. 

The 20 strong team raced to the scene at 1pm as fears rose that surrounding properties could be at risk, as the blaze gained momentum in tinder dry conditions.

The firefighters spent an hour and a half tackling the fire,

Two off-road vehicles were also sent from Maidenhead Fire Station.

The team used fire beaters and four hose reel jets.

They remained some time damping down the area to ensure the fire did not flare up again.

The affected field was near Pococks Lane between Datchet and Eton and was made up of about 40 acres of standing corn, of which about 10 acres has been destroyed by the fire.

Station Manager Alan Battman who attended the incident said: “The crews worked quickly to get the situation under control and prevent the spread of the fire.

“In hot, dry conditions like this a fire can spread quickly, so if you do see a fire in the countryside, please report it to us by calling 999 as soon as possible.”

The field was being farmed by John Whitby, from Rowley Farm in Black Park Road, Slough.

He said: "The firefighters did a fantastic job, saving so much of the crop which can now go on to feed people. I wish I had heard about the fire earlier so I could have gone down and shaken their hand while they were still there."

For more information about staying safe outdoors, please visit: http://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/outdoors/