A FREAK storm caused damage to trees and property in the Ferryhill Station area last night.

There were reports of a tornado-style wind rattling roofs in and around the Ferryhill and Chilton areas around 8.30pm.

At least one chimney stack toppled to the ground and branches were strewn across roads.

Coun Brian Avery, who represents Chilton on Sedgefield Borough Council, was on a bus when the storm struck.

"I was on the bus going to Chilton on Chilton Lane when the driver said whats all this?

"There were hailstones all over and branches started dropping off the trees," he said.

Durham fire service confirmed they had been called to a number of incidents in the area, but said none were serious.