A BARN at Tong was saved from going up in flames in an organised effort by firefighters and farmers.

Bales of hay caught fire in a barn off Tong Lane near the Greyhound Inn at 11.55pm last night.

Four engines, including two from Bradford, one from Cleckheaton, one from Odsal and CLM vehicle from Stanningley Fire Station, responded to the incident.

"We managed to save the barn by putting water on the hay bales and dragging them out using heavy plant farm machinery," said Tim Pallister, a watch commander from Leeds who came from Stanningley Fire Station.

Because of the remoteness of the barn, firefighters used a water relay, pumping water over a distance using a chain of fire engines.

"We worked in conjunction with the farmers," said Mr Pallister. "It was crucial to sort out quickly because it was near to a barn of cattle.

"There were no animals in this barn but there were tractors, trailers and other farm equipment," he said. We intervened quick enough, otherwise they could have lost the barn and attached buildings."

Mr Pallister also said there no damage to the barn itself.