A barn fire for firefighters on the edge of Preston turned into a rescue mission during Thursday afternoon.

Eight fire engines were called out to deal with the incident at Cumeragh Lane, Whittingham.

Preston Station Manager Mark Woodward said his crews had retrieved three kittens from the smoke-filled building.

Crews were called at 2.15pm on Thursday (4 May) to Little Meadow Farm where hay had caught fire and the flames had spread to adjacent buildings.

The kittens were placed in a bucket and cooled down after being rescued.

The fire was put out around 6pm and crews have continued damping down the area.

Nearby residents were asked to keep their windows closed while the fire was brought under control due to the smoke.