US firefighters had to rescue a woman from a swarm of bees.

The beekeeper had been attacked on her driveway by 1000 of the insects and was stung 50 times as she called a family member to get help in Pittsfield.

Emergency services arrived and used 750 gallons of water to get rid of the "overly aggressive bees", which took 30 minutes.

Fire Captain Greg Payeur said: "The bees were bouncing off our masks and our helmets.  When we initially got there, it was like a black cloud hanging over her."

The unnamed woman - who harvests honey - told her rescuers she was attacked while tending to the queen bee.

She was not badly injured, despite her numerous stings.