A CARAVAN site in Teesdale was partially evacuated yesterday (March 24) after gas leak fears.

Firefighters from Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale attended the Barnard Castle Camping and Caravanning Club site at Dockenflatts Lane, near Lartington, after a leak was reported to the fire service at about 12.30pm.

A fire spokesman said: “On arrival a 2200 Calor gas canister was found to be over pressurised and venting.

“The area was sectioned off and monitored and at 2.46pm County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service handed over to a Calor gas engineer and a gas decanting wagon.”

Rob Ganley, the Club’s senior communications manager, confirmed the evacuation but said no one had been hurt in the incident.

“The on-site LPG tank at our Barnard Castle Club Site developed a valve leak,” he said.

“A decision was taken to partially evacuate the campsite for safety reasons, and the fire service attended.

“There was no fire, nor injury to any person or party involved.

“An engineer was quick to attend and fix the valve leak, and campers were able to return to their pitches and to continue enjoying their getaways.

“Today it’s business as usual on site, and the team at Barnard Castle look forward to welcoming the Easter Bank holiday campers.”