Dozens of firefighters spent more than four hours tackling a massive fire that engulfed a County Durham farmer’s field yesterday.

Videos at the scene show smoke billowing over houses and orange flames as the fire spreads across a nearby field.

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Reports of a large fire on a farm at the rear of The Manor House in West Auckland came into CDDFRS control just after 4.30pm yesterday, Wednesday 3rd of August.

Read more: Go North East strikes CONFIRMED over closure of bus depot in County Durham

“Five appliances from Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Spennymoor and the water bowser attended the incident.

The Northern Echo: Picture: Darren FaircloughPicture: Darren Fairclough

“On arrival there was around 1,000sqm of the field well alight.

“To extinguish the fire, they used one high pressure hose reel, fire beaters and were also assisted by the farmer who created a fire break with their JCB.

“Fire crews left the scene at 8:45pm.”

The Northern Echo: Picture; Darren FaircloughPicture; Darren Fairclough

To get more stories from Darlington direct to your email basket go here

Onlookers were left in shock with many taking to social media to voice their concern.

One person said: "The aftermath of the fire. Things could have been so much worse. Kudos to our fire brigade. Praying for the farmer. Hopefully insured."

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here