FIREFIGHTERS were called to Seaham in County Durham this afternoon (Saturday) after cars caught fire behind a disused pub.

At least three cars were engulfed in the blaze understood to have spread  across the back yard of the former Noah's Ark pub in North Railway Street.

The fire was so fierce it quickly spread to the rear of the building but firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and managed to control the flames.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) were alerted to the incident shortly after 2pm and three fire crews from Seaham, Wheatley Hill and Durham attended the scene. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reels and jets to put out the fire.

Crews left the scene at 3.45pm.

Group manager John Walkden, of CDDFRS, said:"The fire was in the rear yard and it  first started amongst a number of vehicles. Because of the  severity of the fire it quickly spread to the rear of the building itself. 

"Firefighters were on the scene in minutes and did a fantastic job of controlling the fire and stopping it from spreading any further."