FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to tackle a large blaze on Marsden Moor which is thought to have been started by someone using a barbecue.

The blaze is continuing to burn after firefighters from Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire were called out to the moor near Saddleworth yesterday.

According to the National Trust, which owns and manages the moor, a helicopter is on standby today to help tackle the flames.

The organisation says the fire on the dry moorland after several days of soaring temperatures, was caused by people using a barbecue at Easter Gate.

In a statement on Facebook the National Trust says: "This is very sad news given how dry the moorland vegetation is. This is the sixth fire we have had this year."