A FARMING family were left shocked after arsonists set light to straw and hay, damaging the historic barn in which it was stored.

The Davies family, who run Holme Park at Childer Thornton, and Park Farm in Hooton Lane, Ellesmere Port, where the fire occurred, have condemned the vandals as 'stupid'.

But they have thanked a motorcyclist who saw smoke coming from the brick barn by the M53 and alerted the fire service.

Jane Davies, whose son Michael is based at Park Farm, said: 'Whoever has done it was malicious and stupid.'

The barn and farm buildings are owned by the Naylor estate and contained about 20 tons of hay and straw.

Mrs Davies believes the building is repairable, despite being badly damaged.

Fire crews from Ellesmere Port and Chester were on the scene from 4.20pm until about 10pm.

Firefighters say two youths were seen cycling away from the barn and may be connected with the incident.

Mrs Davies, who is married to Joe, said the business was run as a family concern involving sons Colin and Michael.

Mrs Davies added: 'If the man on the motorbike had not seen it, it could have been terrible.'

BARN FIRE: Farmer Joe Davies of Park Farm where vandals set fire to straw and hay in a listed barn.