FIREWORKS set off in pre-Christmas celebrations are thought to have been the likely cause of a spectacular fire which damaged 50 square metres of moorland on Minehead’s North Hill on Wednesday evening.

Five appliances from Porlock, Minehead and Williton were called to the blaze at 5.30pm after being alerted by members of the public who had seen the flames from the town centre.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue spokesman said that crews made a firebreak to limit the blaze and used a fogging unit and compressed-air foam.

No casualties were reported and the blaze was under control after an hour.