RESIDENTS were evacuated after a large fire broke out in a village on the  edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The incident in Ingleton, which occurred at a MOT test centre at around 6.40pm on Friday, led to the evacuation of properties within a 200m safety cordon in the south of the village.

"The nearby stretch of the A65 has also been closed in both directions while fire crews deal with the blaze and determine if there are any hazardous chemicals on the site," said a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police.

"Residents outside of the evacuation zone are urged to keep safe by staying indoors and keeping windows and doors closed until further notice."

At about 9.45pm, police added: "The evacuated people have been taken to the local community centre and not the school. Also there are no reports of injuries at this time."

North Yorkshire Fire said it had five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at the scene.

A nearby resident wrote on Facebook: "Nothing like a bit of Friday night excitement with a major fire and explosions going on in Ingleton.

"We are all okay. Just sitting tight as not been evacuated. Garage on industrial estate gone up in flames and propane cylinders blowing up!"

On Saturday morning, North Yorkshire Police updated the situation.

"Thankfully no-one was injured, the dozens of evacuated residents returned home at 11.30pm, and the A65 re-opened at around the same time...phew!," wrote a spokesman.

"Big thanks to those of you directly affected as well as to other residents who helped by sharing the urgent safety advice on Facebook and Twitter.

"The emergency services and the councils greatly appreciate your support and co-operation, especially when dealing with potentially very serious incidents such as this fire at Ingleton."