A SECTION of the A66 on the outskirts of Darlington has re-opened after being engulfed in thick smoke from a fire in a field nearby.

Police closed the road in both directions between the A67, close to the brick train sculpture at Morton Park, and the B6279, this morning as fire crews tackled the blaze in a neighbouring field.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue said 60 tonnes of straw had been set alight and a crew from Darlington were in attendance.

The road was re-opened just after 3pm.

Inspector Simon Cowan, of Darlington Police, said: "We'd like to thank the public for their patience.

"We believe it was routine crop burning, but because of the direction of the breeze the smoke spread further than what could be contained.

"We could not let the fire burn as it was out of control and the smoke a danger to road users.

"Subsequently it was the combination of water [from firefighters' hose reels] and flame that caused the really thick black smoke."

An eyewitness said: “I drove past shortly before 11.30am and smoke was billowing quite a distance from what looked like a farmers’ field nearby.

“As you approached the Morton Park roundabout on the A66 near the Brick Train it was really quite thick and covered the carriageway, severely affecting visibility for drivers.

“Firefighters were at the scene and putting out bollards when I drove past.

"It was accrid and you could smell the fumes in the car even though I had the windows closed."