THREE holidaymakers had a lucky escape after a silo caught fire next to the cottage in which they were staying.

John and Gaynor Edwards and John's father, Jesse, were staying at Deepdale Farm, Hummersea Lane, in Loftus, when they were startled by a big explosion from farm buildings, just metres away.

More than 25 firefighters and six fire engines from Loftus, Skelton, Guisborough, Saltburn and Redcar were called to tackle the blaze which broke out at about 10.40am.

One man was hurt in the incident. The casualty, believed to be the father-in-law of farm owner Keith Dale, was taken to the East Cleveland Hospital at Brotton, suffering from burns to his legs.

About 20 cows, in a barn which was destroyed by fire, were rescued by the farmer.

Four buildings, including the silo and a grain store, along with two tractors and trailers, were also destroyed.

Mrs Edwards, from Kingswinford, in the West Midlands, said: "I was terrified. It was such a shock when I heard the explosion. I was shouting, screaming and crying. We just grabbed our shoes and ran out of the cottage."

Residents said they were told to close their windows and check them for damage.

Rosmond Tough, of North Terrace, said: "It really shook the living daylights out of me.

"The top of the silo just blew off and the wind was blowing the flames right over the houses.

"You could really feel the heat."

Eyewitnesses said they believed the fire was started by welding equipment.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control by around 11.45am but a Cleveland Firebrigade spokesperson said firefighters did not leave the scene until 3.15pm.