FIRE crews are still fighting a massive blaze at a once-popular hotel and country club in Middlesbrough.

It broke out at about 7pm last night, with plumes of smoke that darkened the sky over the town and which could be seen for miles around.

A small number of residents living in close proximity were evacuated.

Fire crews have been on site all night and gas engineers and structural engineers will return this morning to assess the damage.

Residents in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed last night as a precaution due to the large plumes of smoke.

The A172 Stokesley Road and the exit slip from the A174 are closed and remain closed this morning.

The Marton Country Club has been shut since October 2017.

The Northern Echo:

The fire fully took hold in the building and glass could be heard smashing.

The Northern Echo:

A large crowd of people gathered at the scene to watch the blaze, but police are warning people to stay away from the area.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "We would urge members of the public to stay away from the immediate area and local residents to stay safely inside their homes with their windows closed, unless directed to evacuate by emergency services.

"A small number of people close to the premises have been asked to evacuate their homes and emergency service partners are constantly reviewing the situation according to the state of the fire and weather conditions."

The police spokesperson added: "We would like to thank residents, motorists and the general public for their co-operation at this time. Further updates will be provided when available."

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston thanked fire crews for their efforts and said Middlesbrough Council was helping to provide accomodation for those who have been evacuated from nearby properties.