Firefighters have been praised for preventing a large blaze in Thetford Forest which damaged a group of historic trees from spreading further as they today return to the scene to investigate what happened.

Crews were called to the area of Thetford Forest, between Santon Downham and Brandon, at 2.23pm yesterday.

When they arrived, they discovered 800sq m of trees and undergrowth well alight.

Fire appliances from Thetford, Brandon, Bury, Newmarket and Ipswich, along with water carriers from Hethersett and Newmarket, spent the next six hours tackling the blaze.

The flames were out by 8.30pm, with firefighters then dampening down the site.

It is not yet clear what started the fire.

Terry Jennings, operations manager for Thetford Forest, said: 'The fire was in some 30 to 35-year-old trees and it burnt most of the undergrowth.

'It was fairly slow as there wasn't a lot of wind but there is probably some damage to those trees. The trees are still useable but they won't grow any more. We've got to have them cut down before their time.

'It could've been a lot worse and we're thankful to Norfolk Fire and Rescue for their prompt actions. They serve us well.'

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to take extra care following the blaze.

On Twitter, a spokesman said: 'Due to the dry conditions we would like to urge members of the public to be extra vigilant when around forestry or heathland.'