Three coaches lost after fire at travel company

Three coaches and a garage at a family-run travel company that is about to celebrate 100 years in business have been destroyed in a fire.

The blaze at Maxfield's Travel in Aughton, Rotherham, started in one of the parked vehicles at midday and a driver who tried to put it out was hospitalised with smoke inhalation.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS) said five crews were in attendance and the fire was out by 14:30 BST.

A spokesperson for Maxfield's Travel told the BBC: "We lost three of our nicest coaches today, which for a family business celebrating 100 years this year is heartbreaking."

SYFRS confirmed firefighters remained on the scene dampening down and warned residents to keep doors and windows closed.

A SYFRS spokesperson said: "Avoid the area if possible and Aughton Road remains closed between West Lane and Aughton Avenue."

The company, founded in 1926, runs coach trips to destinations across the UK, but said all of its booked excursions would still go ahead as normal.

Peter Maxfield, managing director, added: "With the help of our wonderful staff and supportive clients we will recover and safe to say, all our trips are running as normal."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North