THE biggest earthquake to be recorded in the UK in the last 50 days has struck County Durham.

According to the British Geological Survey, the 3.1 magnitude quake hit Newton Aycliffe at 6.39pm on Saturday.

Despite no reports from residents of the town, it was the largest to have taken place in the British Isles since August 2.

It was recorded as having happened at a depth of 22km.

Earthquakes between three and 3.09 on the Richter scale are understood to happen more than 100,000 times per year worldwide.

They are often felt by people, can cause noticeable shaking of indoor objects but rarely cause damage.