Firefighters are still tackling a huge "wildfire" on the cliffs at St Bees Head.

Crews battled the blaze, which is believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette, overnight.

They expect to be dealing with the fire throughout today (Wednesday).

Witnesses said there were seven engines at the scene last night when it started.

The fire quickly spread with large flames coming from the grass.

Smoke from the blaze could be seen for miles.

A large crowd gathered at the scene, watching the drama unfold.

One St Bees resident said as firefighters look like they're getting the flames under control, they flare up again.

"The fire covers at least one-third of St Bees Head," he said. "There's seven fire engines here."

A spokesman from Whitehaven Fire Station said crews were called out about 8pm on Tuesday.

Crews are still at the site this morning as firefighters continue to bring it under control.

A fire service statement said: "Approximately 500m by 300m of grass on a difficult to reach headland on a rural cliff was on fire, with a flame height of three metres.

"Crews have used a number of hose reel jets and main jets and a large number of beaters to get the fire under control.

"Crews are still in attendance at the scene tackling the last pockets of the fire which is believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette."

Lifeboat crews were also called to help the fire service assess the fire.