A ROYAL British Legion building was severely damaged following a fire on Saturday night.

The building at Cheapside, in Spennymoor, County Durham, was well alight by the time fire crews were called at about 10.45pm.

Two engines attended, and had to force their way in because although not derelict, the building is empty and was boarded up.

Police had reported that youths had been inside earlier in the day, and firefighters searched the building in case anybody was there. However, nobody was found.

The single-storey stone building was said to be severely damaged by the blaze, which was brought under control after about an hour.

The final appliance left the scene shortly after 1am.