Fire destroys historic buses

A fire that tore through several buildings on a farm in Hampshire has destroyed seven historic buses — including one single-decker and three double-deckers, all in Hants & Dorset livery — as well as a luxury coach.

Winchester-based Friends of King Alfred Buses (FoKAB), a transport heritage charity, was storing the vehicles at its industrial unit in the village of Penton Mewsey, which is 3.2 km (2 mi) northwest of Andover.

James Freeman, chairman of FoKAB, said the noise of exploding fuel tanks woke people living nearby at 01 30 (1.30 a.m.) this morning.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it was investigating the cause of the fire.