FIFTY people were evacuated from their homes last night and a man was taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a commercial garage.

The victim had been working in the garage when an oxyacetylene cylinder caught fire.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with burns, but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

The blaze spread from one garage to a neighbouring one in Enfield Road, Seaham, County Durham, shortly after 5pm.

Four fire crews were called out. As a precaution, the surrounding area was cordoned off and homes were evacuated.