A HUGE fire that started on Christmas Eve is continuing to burn.

The fire at UK Wood Recycling at Wilton, near Redcar, is expected to burn for another one or two days.

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesman explained firefighters are continuing to reduce the size of the stack to bring it under control.

He said: "Over the next couple of days, as we start to separate the stack out, there is likely to be an increase in the volume of the smoke but I would expect it to predominantly rise and dissipate into the air.

"However, if residents are concerned our advice would be to keep doors and windows closed. If you have any health concerns we would advise you to see a health agency."

The Environment Agency is observing the smoke and will put air quality monitoring in place if it becomes necessary.

A spokesman for UK Wood Recycling said: “We would like to apologise once again for the inconvenience being caused by his fire.

"We understand the disruption this is causing to some local residents and businesses and ask that people bear with us whilst the Cleveland Fire Brigade, with support from SembCorp Utilities own fire service, deal with the fire.”

Vicki Hughes, Group Business Development Director for UK Wood Recycling, said: "We are due to meet with local councillors tomorrow to talk through the situation and will keep the media informed of any updates as and when they are available."