A barn has been destroyed in a major fire.

Trains had to be stopped at the height of the blaze at the barn at New Barn Level Crossing, Church Lane, Eastergate, yesterday afternoon due to the large amount of smoke.

Four fire engines were sent to the incident and firefighters managed to prevent a second barn from going up in flames.

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 4.48pm yesterday (November 19) we were called to reports of a large agricultural building fire at New Barn Level Crossing, Church Lane, Eastergate.

A train going past the blaze before they were suspendedA train going past the blaze before they were suspended (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

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"Joint Fire Control mobilised four fire engines and a water carrier to the scene.

"Upon arrival crews found one barn containing hay bales well alight. A second barn was also at risk of being involved in the fire but crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby building.

"At the height of the incident trains were temporarily stopped due to the amount of smoke in the area.

"The affected building is 100 per cent damaged and firefighters will be carrying out inspections throughout the day to ensure the fire is completely extinguished and that there is no risk of hotspots reigniting."