A pub has launched a fundraiser to help a couple affected by a barn fire which closed the A36 because of huge plumes of smoke.

The barn, in Ower near Totton, containing more than 500 bales of hay was destroyed after a fire in a campervan quickly spread.

In the wake of the incident, nearby Compass Inn in Winsor have launched a fundraiser for residents to donate to in a bid to support the couple affected by the blaze.

A spokesperson for the pub, located less than a mile from where the fire took hold, said: “We are trying to raise funds to help this young local couple to help them survive the winter to feed their livestock.

“Two barns full of hay and straw unfortunately caught alight which firefighters did their best to contain and put out.

“We are hoping to raise what we can to help support feeding their livestock during this difficult time ahead of the winter months.

“Any donations would be greatly appreciated.”

The fire service warned residents near Ower that they would need to keep their windows closed while the blaze was delt with.

Drivers were also warned as the billowing plumes of smoke also shut the A36 on Tuesday morning.

You can donate to the Page here.

At the time of writing, the page has more than £1,400 donations of a £5,000 target.

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A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “A campervan blaze spread to a nearby barn in Ower on Monday afternoon.

“The fire grew affecting three barns in total, and around 500 hay bales which were contained inside.

“Nearby roads were closed due to the heavy smoke in the area.

“Firefighters from more than 20 different Hampshire stations attended the fire over the course of the incident which was scaled down to a three-fire engine attendance on Tuesday.

“HIWFRS teams worked closely with onsite farm staff to dampen down the hay.

“The incident has now been handed over to the farmer who will continue to treat the smouldering hay as a controlled burn, which is expected to last for a couple of days.

“The stop message came in at 7:43 on Wednesday morning when the remaining HIWFRS vehicles began to leave the scene.”