Firefighters have extinguished a large blaze at a former nursery building in a major blaze that has broken out in Gateshead.

Police and fire crews are converged on the old Gateshead Central Nursery building in Lobley Hill after the fire broke out shortly after noon on Monday (July 31).

A large cloud of smoke billowing into the sky Whickham Highway could be seen for miles around.

The Northern Echo:

About 20 firefighters in five appliances, including an aerial ladder platform, were on the scene within minutes.

Residents in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed, as firefighters tackled the flames, which they soon had under control. 

The nursery, which is now boarded up, was formerly home of the popular Gateshead Spring Flower Show which was ended in 2013 due to council cuts.

The Northern Echo: Fire at former nursery, Lobley Hill, Gateshead

A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Rescue Service said earlier: "We can confirm we are currently in attendance at a fire in a derelict building in the Lobley Hill area of Gateshead.

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"Our fire control received a call at 12:05pm and crews from across the service were on the scene in a matter of minutes.

"We currently have five appliances and 20 firefighters on scene to extinguish the fire.The Northern Echo:

"We ask that people avoid the area if possible and residents keep their windows and door closed due to the smoke."

The fire brigade confirmed the fire was now extinguished and firefighters left the scene at about 2.08pm.

The Northern Echo: Fire at former nursery, Lobley Hill, Gateshead