FIREFIGHTERS battled against fierce flames and strong winds after a blaze broke out on a golf course last night.

Crews from Durham, Consett and High Handenhold attended South Moor Golf Club near Stanley shortly after 6.50pm after 300m² of gorse caught fire.

Strong winds fanned the flames, hampering the firefighters’ efforts to put out the fire.

However, the crews were able to bring the blaze under control and the incident was over by 9pm.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service posted a dramatic image of the fire on Twitter last night followed by the hashtag #saynotograssfires.

Guy Carr, vice chairman of the golf club, thanked the firefighters and confirmed the damage caused was superficial.

“It will not affect play,” he said. “The dry leaves have been burnt off the gorse but gorse is very hardy and will be back in perfect condition by April.”