FIREFIGHTERS were called to a Barrow church after a member of the public reported seeing smoke coming from the spire.

A fire engine from Barrow was called to St James Church in Blake Street at around 10.30pm on Friday. A member of the public had called 999 to report seeing smoke coming from the spire of the church.

On arrival, firefighters used thermal imaging equipment to assess the spire, which did not reveal any areas of heat. Two firefighters then went to the top of the spire and discovered the 'smoke' was in fact a swarm of bees, or other insects, which had given the appearance of smoke in the fading daylight.