A FUEL tank containing 100 litres of diesel ruptured after the vehicle burst into flames near farmland on the edge of Teignbridge.

Firefighters diluted the damaging spill at Tedburn St Mary with 2,000 litres of water to limit the environmental impact.

The tractor was destroyed in the blaze with a towed straw chopper machine suffering partial damage.

Two fire crews from Exeter and Crediton dealt with the incident after the alarm was raised at 9pm last night (Thursday).

Three jets were used to knock out the flames.

The drama was played out on a road between the new and old A30.