Images showing the extent of the damage at a former church after debris was blown from the roof and roads were closed during the high winds brought by Storm Pia. 

Strong gusts of wind and changeable conditions on Thursday (December 21) saw strong winds of 40-50mph were seen in the North East. 

The Northern Echo: Large pieces of brickwork on the pavementLarge pieces of brickwork on the pavement (Image: CHAPEL)

In Teesside, the wind was so severe that large pieces of debris were seen being blown from the roof of the former St Cuthbert's Church on Newport Road in Middlesbrough. 

Passers-by at the Grade II listed building noted that the road had to be closed off to allow emergency services to work at the scene. 

The Northern Echo: Patches of the roof were seen missing from the former churchPatches of the roof were seen missing from the former church (Image: CHAPEL)

Slip roads of the A66 near the building were also closed as a matter of precaution. 

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "Due to falling debris and public safety, the A66 slip road onto Newport Road is closing until further notice and A66 east slip road to Cannon Park is also being closed. Two crews from Middlesbrough Fire Station are at the location to provide any assistance needed alongside Cleveland Police."

An earlier statement also read: "We were called at 10.12am this morning to what was formally known as St Cuthbert's Church where the tower is being affected by the strong winds and parts are collapsing."

The Northern Echo: The former St Cuthbert's ChurchThe former St Cuthbert's Church (Image: CHAPEL)

With the road closures in place, Chapel, a pub on Whitehouse Street in Middlesbrough, which is next door to the former church, has decided to close, due to fire service cordons still in place. 

In a statement, Chapel said: "This morning high winds have damaged the structure of the old church next door to Chapel (Tower Ballroom).

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"We have decided to close this evening as we wait for the full assessment and advice from the structural engineers who are working at the site.

"The whole road to our premises has been shut as a precaution due to falling debris please avoid the area and keep safe in the windy weather!"

Alongside the statement, the pub posted some images of the damage to the Grade II listed church, which shows large pieces of brickwork on the pavement.