FIRE investigators are sifting through the charred remains of a barn that was destroyed by fire at Ogbourne St George on Saturday.

So far no cause has been established for the blaze that swept through the barn at Lower Herdswick Farm, destroying 400 tonnes of hay, straw and animal feed.

By the time firefighters arrived, the recently built five-bay barn owned by the Ormond partnership was well alight.

Tim Ormond said farm staff who spotted the blaze were able to move young cattle out of the barn to safety and also some large farm machinery that had been stored there.

The biggest loss was the destruction of this year's crop of hay.

Appliances from Marlborough, Swindon and Stratton together with a water carrier from Ramsbury were dispatched to the blaze.

The firefighters were hampered by a lack of water at the remote farm and relied upon water being ferried in by the brigade's water carrier.

The first 999 call was received by the brigade at about 4pm.

After extinguishing the blaze the fire fighters remained at the scene for a further 25 hours to make sure the smoking remains did not re-ignite.

A brigade spokesman said: "Although the fire was out it was still smouldering. We maintained a presence at the barn just to make sure that it was fully out and safe."

Fire investigators are still examining the remains of the barn to see if a cause can be established.