A FIRE which destroyed a North Yorkshire barn is thought to have been started deliberately.

Five fire engines were called out to the blaze near Eden Camp in Freehold Lane, Old Malton, at teatime yesterday.

The barn, measuring 25 metres by 30 metres, contained about 200 tons of hay and straw, which were also destroyed.

Firefighters from Malton remained with the fire throughout the night and one appliance will also remain there today to monitor it.