FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blazing car just yards from their station last night.

A J-registered Skoda was believed to have been deliberately set alight at the rear of the Black Swan pub, in Hird Street, near Darlington fire station, at 5.30pm. "The car was completely destroyed and it's more than likely it was deliberate," said Fire Sub Officer Ian Welch. Police are investigating the blaze. Anyone with information is asked to call (01325) 467681.

SMOKE DAMAGE: a house was left badly smoke-logged and a car port was damaged after a blaze in a car in Easson Road, Darlington, yesterday. The fire is thought to have been caused by an electrical fault.

HOUSE PLAN: An application to turn a disused barn in Brafferton Lane, Coatham Mundeville, near Darlington, into a house has been received by Darlington Borough Council.

GARAGE FIRE: A man was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation after a garage fire at a house in Belle Vue Terrace, Willington, yesterday, at 11.40am.

COUNCIL MEETINGS: A meeting of Spennymoor Town Council's planning and highways committee will be held in the town hall tomorrow, at 6.45pm. It will be followed by a meeting of the services and amenities committee.

TREE FELLING: Darlington Borough Council has received an application for permission to fell a Lawson cypress tree in the Stanhope Road/Grange Road conservation area of the town.