Firefighters remain at the scene of a fire that broke out at a derelict County Durham leisure centre this evening.

Emergency services were called to the Spectrum Leisure Centre on Hunwick Lane in Willington just after 4:30pm this afternoon (November 3) following reports of a fire.

Four fire engines were called to tackle the blaze which broke out in the roof.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue Service has said they currently remain at the scene.

They said: "We sent four fire appliances to the scene. Two from Bishop Auckland, one from Crook and one from Spennymoor including a water bowser and an aerial platform.

"Upon arrival we discovered a fully developed fire in the roof space which was quickly extinguished due to the fact action of crews using four breathing apparatus.

"We still have two fire appliances on scene now."

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Durham Police have been contacted for more information.

This blaze comes months after the centre closed its doors indefinitely in August.

The company in charge of the site was issued a winding-up order by the High Court in August ahead of the closure. 

SLAM Community Development Trust, a private operator, announced the closure on August 20 “due to circumstances currently beyond our control with regard to both internal and external issues”. 

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The statement added: “We will keep you up to date with developments as they happen and hopefully move forward to fully resolve all the issues we currently have. 

“I know this will be a shock to our customers but with hope, you will bear with us in the short term. Thank you for your continued support from us here at Spectrum.”

However, residents have yet to receive any updates about the site.