FIREFIGHTERS tackled a 10 metre high burning stack of wood panels late last night.

Crews from Southend and Rochford were called to Purdeys Industrial Estate in Rochford at about 11.15pm to reports of a fire in a yard at Trade Fencing.

When they arrived, they found a 10 metre wide by 10 metre high pile of what was originally reported to be of pallets 100 per cent alight, which was dealt with just after midnight.

However, a firefighter from Southend later confirmed the pile was made up of wood fencing panels which was brought under control quickly using a hose reel.

A fire investigation will be carried out to establish the cause.