NINE horses had to be led to safety after a fierce blaze engulfed a barn near Eastleigh at the weekend.

The drama happened late on Friday at the building in Highbridge Road, Highbridge.

Sixty tons of hay and straw were engulfed in the flames as the blaze swept through the 30x20m barn.

The flames could be seen for miles around and fire crews from Eastleigh and Winchester stayed until 8am on Saturday to ensure it did not reignite.

The horses were evacuated from the blazing barn, which is some way off the main road, and they were taken care of by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue's animal safety officer.

A fire service spokesman said the fire was not being treated as suspicious.