THE A303 westbound has now reopened after a fire involving a trailer carrying about 20 tonnes of straw.

The road was closed between Mere and Zeals to allow firefighters to deal with the incident.

The fire service received reports of a large vehicle fire in a lay-by off the Mere by-pass at about 9.05am. 

An earlier post on Facebook from Salisbury Police said: "There is also thick smoke drifting over the eastbound carriageway so motorists are being warned to take care while driving in the area."

A fire service spokesman said the trailer was "well alight" and fire crews from Mere, Gillingham, Wincanton and water carriers from Wilton and Yeovil had been sent to the scene. 

Firefighters are still at the scene and are said to be "making good progress" dealing with the fire. 

Relief fire crews from Shatesbury, Bradford-on-Avon and Westbury also attended.