Darlington residents have been told to keep their doors and windows shut as a thick plume of smoke rises over the town from a tip blaze.

Fire crews have been battling an inferno at the recycling centre off Whessoe Road since just after 5.10am.

Residents reported a strong stench coming from the thick smoke rising from the site.

Firefighters have now told people in the area to keep their windows and doors closed.

The Northern Echo: A plume of smoke rising above the site earlier this morning.A plume of smoke rising above the site earlier this morning. (Image: MARK BENNISON)

Phil Innis, group manager at the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are concerned about the smoke plume and we want to make sure people have the correct information.

“We are advising residents to keep their doors and windows closed if they are affected by the plume.”

The Northern Echo: Smoke rising from the roof of a building.Smoke rising from the roof of a building. (Image: KAYLEIGH FRASER)

A fire service spokesperson added: “We were called at around 5.11am today (May 22) to a fire at the recycling centre on Whessoe Road in Darlington.

“Three fire engines from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe Fire Stations are in attendance. The water bowser from Spennymoor Fire Station and the aerial ladder platform from Darlington have also been called to the scene.

“The incident is ongoing and is likely to go on for some time.”

One resident told the Echo: “I woke up at 6.15am and it already started smoking.

"The wind is browning the other direction towards Longfield School and the houses on Whessoe road so I could not smell it."

Darlington Borough Council earlier said it hoped the site could be reopened later today.

This is a live ongoing incident: follow the latest here

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In a Facebook post the council said: "The tip (household waste recycling centre) is closed due to a fire.

"It is hoped it can open later today and we will update you as soon as we have more information."

This is a breaking story. We will bring you more information as we get it.