FIREFIGHTERS were called to Great Western Hospital last night, after a fire filled the trauma unit with smoke.

Hospital bosses said patients were briefly evacuated from the unit in the main building, but were soon moved back.

More than 30 firefighters were called to GWH shortly before 2.15am this morning. They included crews from Swindon, Stratton and Royal Wootton Bassett fire stations. An aerial appliance from the Drove Road fire station was also sent to the scene.

When they arrived, firefighters found the electrical fire had been extinguished. They helped ventilate smoke from the ward.

Fire crews left the hospital at around 3.20am.

A spokesman for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "There was a small fire on one of our wards early this morning, due to a desktop fan overheating.

"Staff quickly and calmly extinguished the fire, and there were no injuries, either from the fire or from smoke inhalation.

"Patients were temporarily moved to a neighbouring ward as a precaution.

"Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service attended, and after carrying out tests, authorised the return of the patients to the ward."