Fire crews from Bodmin and Wadebridge were called last night to tackle a blaze at Bodmin airfield.

The fire had broken out inside a hangar containing aircraft and aviation fuel, said Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who sent five engines, two water carriers, and various vehicles to the scene at around 7.30pm.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson for the Cornwall Fllying Club, that runs the airfield, said that the fire had started in a maintenance hangar – and that the fast actions of one of the instructors had prevented a much worse outcome.

“Fortunately, one of our instructors was staying over at the club and was able to raise the alarm and evacuate the majority of the aircraft from our adjacent hangar before help arrived.

“Without this stroke of fortune and his great efforts, the outcome could have been disastrous. No-one was hurt, thankfully.”

The club said that with no power on site, there would be no tower facilities or training until they have had time to assess the damage.