FIREFIGHTERS tackled a major blaze at a disused workshop ocurred tonight.

The fire at the site of the former Shipton Services, at Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York released a huge plume of black smoke which could be seen for many miles.

Residents reported hearing what they thought were fireworks, before spotting the blaze.

Four pumps attended the incident.

John Tate, whose house backs on to the garage, said: "There was an enormous plume of smoke and you could hear corrugated iron popping and banging.

"People were asking who was having fireworks at 6.45pm?"

Another resident, Matthew Staples, said: "We could see pressed asbestos from the building billowing out. It was very dramatic."