LIVE: Crews descend on Cheshire countryside as building fire spreads on grassland - latest updates

Firefighters have descended on the countryside near Macclesfield after a building fire spread to nearby grassland.

Six fire engines were sent out to the scene on Ridge Hill, in Wincle, at 1.52am this morning (May 21).

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) says the fire had spread to an area of around 50 metres by 100 metres at 3.15am, before growing to around 100 metres by 100 metres as of 5.30am.

Firefighters have been battling to get the blaze under control, with people living close to the area urged to keep windows and doors closed.

A full road closure is in place on Ridge Hill, with crews now working to dampen down the area.

A CFRS spokesperson said: "In the early hours of this morning, fire crews were called to tackle a large fire in an outbuilding that had spread to surrounding grassland.

"The fire is near to, but not involving, The Hanging Gate Inn pub."

In its most recent update, CFRS added: "Good progress is being made to tackle the fire as firefighters continue to dampen down the area."

The fire is the latest to hit the North West following a prolonged dry spell this spring.

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Images show smoke billowing from the area.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service says the fire had spread to an area of 100 metres by 100 metres, by 5.30am.

Relief crews have been working at the scene since 6.10am this morning, with damping down taking place.

"Good progress is being made to tackle the fire as firefighters continue to dampen down the area," a fire service spokesperson said.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service says six fire engines first attended the scene.

They were sent out at 1.53am this morning to Ridge Hill, Wincle.

A service spokesperson said:

"In the early hours of