Firefighters have been tackling a huge fire at a North East timber yard this evening. (Thursday, September15)

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to Jewson at Stargate roundabout in Ryton just before 7pm.

Black smoke billowed out of the woodyard across the A695, which runs between Blaydon and Hexham, and could be seen for miles around.

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Eyewitness Peter Driver, from Greenside, said: "The thick smoke could be seen from miles away.

"We first saw it from West Denton while on our way home to Greenside, Ryton.

"The smoke was thick and smelled really bad, like there was multiple items on fire. "There were a few bangs and cracks it sounded like there were a few small explosions coming from the roaring fire.

"The smoke was intermittently covering the bypass and drivers were finding it difficult to get through the smoke."

It is understood four fire engines were sent to tackle the fire, which is now under control.

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