“DEVASTATION” has followed a yard fire in Landford, which resulted in barns burning down and an equestrian business damaged.

Horse riding centre, Charlotte Springall Equestrian, was victim to a blaze in the early hours on April 16, with the cause still unknown.

As a result of the fire two barns were lost including all of the equipment they contained, however the 14 sheep and 14 horses onsite were unharmed and taken to safety.

Mother-of-three and yard and equestrian business owner, Charlotte Springall, said she “woke up at 1am to a noise that sounded like a boom”, adding: “I came running downstairs to see one of the caravans near the house was ablaze.

“There was no gas or electricity involved, but at the time all I could think about was getting all my animals back.

“I don’t remember anything, I don’t even remember seeing flames, I had to take the horses past the fire and all I can remember saying to them is ‘You have to trust me and be brave’.”

According to Charlotte the cause of the fire is still unknown.

The incident was attended by fire crews from Romsey, St Mary’s, Eastleigh, Redbridge, Totton and Salisbury.

A statement from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Upon arrival we were met with three caravans on fire and a block of 10 stables.

“Crews worked extremely hard to stop fire spread to surrounding buildings and a large size gas tank.

“It was a multi-agency response from fire, police and ambulance making a brilliant [joint] effort.”

“I will never know what happened that night, it has just been such a blow to everything we were working towards,” Charlotte added.

"I am so thankful for the firefighters that helped me, I have so much admiration and gratitude for them."

Salisbury Journal:

A fundraiser had been set up to help the founder reimburse resources and materials, which has so far raised more than £1,300.

Charlotte’s friend Felicity Davis, who set up the online fundraiser, said: “Charlotte was a friend in need, especially in a time that has been extra tricky because of Covid-19, at the moment we’re just trying to help cover the costs of things that need replacing.

“I’ve grown up with Charlotte and competed against her, I’ve known her all my life and my daughter was having lessons with her.

“She is just a great friend who needs that support, Charlotte doesn’t like to ask for help but she works really hard and this was the least I could do.”

Charlotte did not know the fundraising page was being set up and described Felicity as an “amazing lady”.

She added: “I still have 12 stables and we’re just removing everything that had burned, there is so much devastation. We had done so much work and now we’re now just getting ourselves together again.

"I would say to yard owners that it is so important to plan for something like this, because you will not expect it and you just don’t know what is happening. It’s more important now that everyone should keep safe in these weird and strange times.”

For more information and to donate visit the Just Giving page.