A MAJOR blaze has severely damaged a pub in the North-East.

Firefighters were called to The Mill House, near Springwell in Gateshead, earlier this afternoon.

Clouds of smoke were seen billowing from the premises and the building sustained serious heat and smoke damage.

Tyne and Wear fire and Rescue Service said the fire was put out at 5pm.

It is understood the worst of the damage was at the back of the building around the kitchen and restaurant.

The B1288, which runs past the pub, was closed while emergency services dealt with the fire, which had a knock on effect on the A1231 between the A1 at the Angel of the North and Washington.

No-one is thought to be injured.