This is the moment drivers saw thick black smoke rise in County Durham as a large fire took hold.

At around 5.40pm on Saturday, a fire could be seen from a location in Chilton, near Newton Aycliffe.

The fire, which could be seen for miles around, is believed to have took hold in a farm, prompting a big emergency service response.

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Shane Dew captured the moment you could see smoke rising from the hills as she travelled along the A167.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SHANE DEW/NORTHERN ECHOPicture: SHANE DEW/NORTHERN ECHO

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident had been reported at 5.39pm.

They said four appliances including a welfare and senior officer had attended the scene of a field fire at a farm in the Chilton area.

Appliances from Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland were dispatched to the scene.

The fire service said that they informed the North East Ambulance Service but were not required to attend the scene.

The North East Ambulance Service did not add anything further.

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