Fire on trainer Mick Channon's land

Three fire crews attended the scene when 400 tonnes of horse manure caught fire

BERKSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service are investigating a fire on land owned by horse trainer and former footballer Mick Channon.

The fire broke out at West Ilsley Stables in West Ilsley, at about 1.20pm yesterday (Thursday).

An appliance from Didcot, a water carrier from Pangbourne and a crew from Newbury attended the scene where 400 tonnes of horse manure was ablaze.

The blaze was put out at about 4.50pm yesterday.

Channon, who played for Southampton and England during the 1970s but who is now a leading racehorse trainer, said: "The fire happened on land that I lease. I don't know exactly what happened but all of a sudden there was a fire.

“It's a long way from any houses which is lucky.

“It's more of an inconvenience than anything else.”

Fire crews are expected to return to the scene today for re-inspection at 6.30pm.