FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to tackle a blaze at a recycling plant on Teesside after a large amount of scrap timber caught fire.

More than 300 tonnes of waste wood went up in flames in the early hours at the plant on Haverton Hill Road, in Middlesbrough.

Five crews were called to the scene shortly after 1.30am this morning and initially struggled to reach the site.

But officers quickly had the blaze under control and two appliances remained at the site throughout yesterday to allow the wood to burn out.

It is not yet known what caused the fire.

Steve Johnson, of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "It was a matter of protection really - protection of surrounding risks and plant machinery which was on site.

"It involved approximately 300 tonnes of waste wood. Obviously there will be an investigation into the cause of the fire."