A FARM shed containing high levels of asbestos caught fire this afternoon.

The shed was part of a farm out house on Winston Road, Staindrop in County Durham.

It contained around 40 tonnes of bailed straw was reported as being well alight at around 12.30pm today.

One hundred per cent of the shed roof was asbestos and a special incident unit attended along with the fire service.

The fire was allowed to burn out under controlled supervision.