Large fire at nature reserve scaled back

An operation to tackle a large fire which tore through a nature reserve on the outskirts of York has been scaled back.

At its height on Tuesday, 10 fire engines were called to the scene of the blaze at Strensall Common after it broke out at about 15:30 BST.

In an update posted at 01:00 BST, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident had been scaled down to one engine.

It said crews were in contact with the emergency control room in the event of any escalation.

Strensall Common is a nature reserve about six miles (10km) from York city centre and is the only place in England where the rare dark-bordered beauty moth can be found.

Speaking on Tuesday, Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, said: "Strensall Common is a place I care about deeply.

"Like many local residents, I treasure it for its natural beauty and peace."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.