FIREFIGHTERS have spent more than two hours battling a blaze after a large quantity of plastic bags caught fire in Fenland today.

Residents were advised to keep their doors and windows closed and remain in their homes as smoke billowed across Crowland, near Peterborough.

One crew from Thorney and several crews from Lincolnshire attended the incident, which was reported at 11.30am. Plumes of smoke also began to drift in the direction of Newborough.

Firefighters had nearly extinguished the fire by 2pm and the smoke plume had decreased.

Anyone suffering from respiratory problems as a result of the smoke should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or contact their local doctors surgery.