FIREFIGHTERS battled a huge blaze that broke out on Hartlebury Common as record-breaking temperatures hit the country.

Crews from across the region descended on the nature reserve on Tuesday evening (July 19) where the fire had spread across twelve hectares.

People were asked to avoid the area and Hartlebury Road was shut in both directions.

A spokesperson from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Four Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – one from Worcester, two from Wyre Forest and one from Kingsland – plus the Landrover from Malvern and the water carrier from Leominster were called at 20:08 on 19 July to a fire in the open at Hartlebury Common, Stourport.

"Twelve hectares of common land were well alight and the incident was sectorised with the fire fought using a main jet, a hosereel jet, backpacks and beaters.

"Water was supplied from a hydrant and a dam from the water carrier.

"The service drone was also deployed to survey the fire".

Kidderminster Shuttle: Hartlebury Common Fire. Photo: North Worcestershire PoliceHartlebury Common Fire. Photo: North Worcestershire Police

The fire service remained at the scene earlier today to dampen down the fire.

On social media, residents thanked firefighters for their quick work to stop the spread of the blaze, hailing them as "heroes."

Earlier in the week, firefighters tackled another huge blaze at nearby beauty spot Lickey Hills in Bromsgrove.

Fifteen people had to be evacuated from their homes in Eachway Lane as firefighters battled tough conditions to try to stop the spread of the fire which was fanned by a southerly wind.

A new record for the hottest day ever seen, of 40.3C, was recorded in Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, on Tuesday afternoon – beating the previous record of 38.7C in Cambridge three years ago, by 1.6C.