CONCERNED residents have reported fears of a large fire - but the flickering orange sky over parts of the North-East on Tuesday night had a more straightforward explanation.

It was due to flaring at the chemical plant at Wilton on Teesside.

The procedure occurs from time to time as part of a safety procedure and is a controlled process.

The Northern Echo:

The orange sky viewed from Sedgefield. Picture: Karen Davies

A spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said the orange glow was being caused by the plant.