A HUGE fire in a field in Eltisley was probably caused accidentally by machinery, a Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman has confirmed.

The blaze off Caxton Road saw 10 acres of wheat go up in flames at 11.30am today (Tuesday).

At its height, about 40 firefighters from Huntingdon, St Neots, St Ives, Cambridge, Royston and Gamlingay were tackling the fire and the National Police Aviation Service helicopter had to be called in to help monitor it.

People were advised to stay inside as a precaution due to a large plume of smoke.

The field, where wheat was being harvested, was split into four sections and half the fire was out by 1.30pm. The rest was extinguished by 3.45pm.