WATCH: Firefighters tackle blaze on top of the Wrekin

The Wrekin was closed to visitors as fire crews tackled a large blaze on top of the landmark Shropshire hill.

Smoke rose high above the 1,335 ft peak on Friday afternoon after the fire started in soaring temperatures and gusting winds.

The blaze was under control within three hours but winds of up to 20mph that were regularly changing direction made fighting the flames challenging.

Flames on top of the Wrekin. Photo: Louis Wright

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was deep under the surface and warned people to stay away for the rest of the evening while the blaze was completely extinguished.

At least four fire crews were dealing with the fire which broke out at around 2.20pm.

Flames ripped through around 376 sq m of tinder-dry undergrowth as temperatures hit 23C (73F) in the area.

WATCH: Drone footage shows blaze