The public have been urged to avoid Macclesfield Forest as emergency services deal with a wildfire.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the local beauty spot shortly after 4pm on Tuesday, July 21.

It follows reports of a woodland and grass fire near Hacked Way Lane.

Nine engines were sent to the scene - two from Macclesfield and one each from the Congleton, Bollington and Poynton, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Birchwood and Winsford stations.

They are joined by the rapid rescue unit from Middlewich, the all terrain vehicle from Macclesfield and the incident command unit from Northwich as well as a United Utilities helicopter.

A CFRS spokesperson said: "Firefighters are currently dealing with a large woodland and grass fire in Macclesfield Forest.

"Crews are at the scene tackling the blaze, with additional resources on their way to assist.

"Members of the public are urged to avoid the area while emergency services work to bring the fire under control.

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"Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas and people nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed if affected.

"Please do not travel to the area and avoid blocking access routes needed by emergency vehicles."

They added: "Our control room is receiving a high volume of calls from people reporting smoke in the area.

"Please be reassured that we are aware of the incident and firefighters are on scene working hard to bring the fire under control.

"Please avoid the area and do not travel to watch the incident.

"Local residents are asked to close windows and doors if affected by smoke.

"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available."