Firefighters from across Cornwall continued to battle the blaze at the WH Orchard and Son scrapyard near Dobwalls into the night.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said at 10pm: ‘Crews have been making steady progress throughout the evening.

‘Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have been committed at the scene, the high volume pump is in use, the aerial ladder platform is in use, main jets and ground monitors are in use.’

As darkness fell there were appliances from Lostwithiel, St Austell, Wadebridge, Fowey and the water carrier from Helston at the scene alongside support and command units from Launceston, St Austell and St Dennis.

The main body of the fire was reported to be under control, but crews were staying at the site into the early hours.