FIREFIGHTERS took around six hours to put out a major blaze at a recycling centre in Southampton.

More than 2,000 tonnes of domestic rubbish was on fire at the site off Hazel Road on the Itchen riverside last night.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from the Itchen Bridge billowing westwards towards the city centre.

Crews from St Mary’s, Hightown, Eastleigh and Redbridge fire stations were sent to the fire at J & W Recycling.

Firefighters used an aerial ladder to spray water down onto a huge mountain of smouldering rubbish.

Southampton Airport was informed of the developing situation as the site lies on a flight path.

A police marine unit spotted the fire which started at just before 4pm.

A police spokesman said there was no danger to people or other property.

Around 30 firefighters and seven senior officers were involved in the operation.

Southampton based J&W Group was established over 25 years ago and provides a range of services including skip hire, demolition, and bulk excavation.

It is a major supplier of crushed concrete, hardcore and topsoil.

Its recycling centre is at the Willments Shipyard in Woolston.