Residents in parts of the Holme Valley area of Kirklees awoke this morning to find their communities surrounding by smoke that had blown in from the huge fire on Marsden Moor.

One resident said it was 'a bit like being back in the industrial revolution' as places such as Meltham and Holmfirth experienced heavy smog.

The smoke was noticeable in the villages of Hepworth and Scholes - around ten miles from Marsden - as an overnight breeze took the smoke eastwards.

Fire crews from the Bradford district are among those helping to tackle the blaze.

A specialist wildfire unit based at Keighley fire station went to the scene at 5am today to support the operation.

A resident told the T&A: "As you drive up Slathwaite Road out of Meltham, you can see the smoke is drifting across the moor and realise how Meltham, Wilshaw, Netherthong and Holmfirth are right in the channel of where it's blowing.

"It's not too pleasant being out and about today in those place, with that burning smell in the air, so it's sensible that the emergency services are telling folk to keep their windows shut. It's pretty nasty."

Thirteen fire engines from West Yorkshire, two from Greater Manchester plus wildfire units are currently battling to put out the blaze – which began on Sunday evening.

A helicopter is also assisting.

The public is being asked to stay away from the area.

The fire has severely damaged a precious area for rare birds and was "caused by people", according to the landowner, the National Trust.