More than a thousand firefighters in Portugal tackle major wildfire in Algarve region

Emergency services are hopeful of bringing to heel a major wildfire which has engulfed Portugal's Algarve region for four days.

More than 1,000 firefighters, 327 vehicles and seven aircraft have been deployed to tackle the blaze.

So far, some 44 people have required medical assistance as a result after the fire passed by Monchique, 155 miles south of Lisbon.

The wind-driven fire has raced across tinder-dry pine and eucalyptus forest in a largely inaccessible hill behind the famous beaches of Portugal's holiday region, Algarve.

Plumes of black smoke have blown across beaches popular with European tourists.

Firefighters expect cooler temperatures that have been forecast to help them bring the fire under control.

The Algarve is not expected to exceed 30C, while Lisbon is expecting 33C.

Parts of the south and northeast of the country remained at "extreme risk" of wildfires, however, according to the national weather agency’s forecast.

Local fire chief Abel Gomes told a news conference, the falling temperatures helped create "much more favourable" conditions for firefighters tackling the Monchique blaze.

Overnight, dozens of homes and a hotel were evacuated around the town of about 2,000 people which is known for its spa.