TWO homes were left severely damaged after a blaze broke out in Encombe Terrace, Ferryhill Station, this morning.

Three crews from Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Sedgefield initially responded to reports that one house was alight at 11.20am.

The blaze was so severe that firefighters using breathing apparatus were withdrawn and a further crew from Newton Aycliffe was sent for.

The crews tackled the fire using water jets but failed to stop it spreading to a neighbouring house. The blaze was extinguished shortly after 1pm but crews remained on scene damping down.

* For the full story see The Northern Echo on Monday.