FIREFIGHTERS tackled 30 separate fires near the site of Britain's biggest solar farm last night.

It is understood the fires were started by workmen clearing a two-hectare field in Belney Lane, Denmead, to make way for the farm.

A safety barrier was erected but the fire spread past it. Concerned neighbours called Hampshire Fire & Rescue over fears they would spread to nearby thatched cottages.

Southwick Estate's solar farm is set to be the largest in Britain, spanning over 200 acres.

Firefighters arrived at around 9.15pm, using two hose reel jets and three knapsack pumps used to tackle the blazes.

Two appliances from Waterlooville attended alongside Land Rovers from Fareham and Petersfield, with 14 firefighters on the scene in total.

They were on site for almost three hours.