A LARGE farm fire has killed up to 16,000 chickens at a farm in mid Wales.

Fire crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to the agricultural blaze in a large metal shed near Llanfair Caereinion, near Welshpool in Powys, at about 23:30 HRS on Thursday (Mar 25).

The fire, which had engulfed a shed measuring 262ft (80m) by 66ft (20m), was brought under control by 03:30, fire officials said.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service added: “A second shed, also containing about 16,000 chickens, was unaffected by the blaze.

The spokesperson addd:” Six appliances helped fight the fire and officers added an investigation will begin once the wreckage had cooled down.”