Dramatic pictures showing the aftermath of a devastating fire at a derelict pub that took firefighters seven hours to control have been released.

Firefighters were called to Whitburn Lodge on Mill Lane in Whitburn just after 4.30pm on New Year’s Day following reports of flames and smoke emerging from the venue.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were there until after 11.30pm with 22 firefighters taking part in the operation.

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The venue, currently on the market to be sold, has fallen into disrepair since closing ten years ago and has previously been targeted by vandals and drug dealers using the building to grow cannabis.

A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 4.36 on Sunday January 1 our fire control received a call reporting a fire at a disused pub on Mill Lane in Whitburn.

The Northern Echo: The fire damage at Whitburn Lodge. Picture: MICK ROBERTSThe fire damage at Whitburn Lodge. Picture: MICK ROBERTS (Image: MICK ROBERTS)

“They deployed our crews to the scene and an appliance from South Shields Community Fire Station was on scene in a matter of minutes.

“Crews from Sunderland Central and Marley Park also later attended the scene.

“They found the former Whitburn Lodge pub well alight and immediately began to try and extinguish the flames.

The Northern Echo: An aerial shot of the fire damage. Picture: MICK ROBERTSAn aerial shot of the fire damage. Picture: MICK ROBERTS (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“In total, six appliances and 22 firefighters attended the incident and eventually were able to bring the fire under control."

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The spokeswoman added: "Enquiries into the circumstances around the fire are ongoing but nobody has reportedly been injured at this time.

"We want to thank the quick actions of our fire control and operational crews who responded so quickly and prevented the fire from spreading."

TWFRS crews left the scene at 11.38pm at which point the fire was completely extinguished.

Now, pictures of the aftermath have been shared - showing the devastating impact, with the images depicting the venue with charred sides and roof, alongside fallen items outside the former pub and hotel.