FLAMES leapt up to 70ft in the air as firefighters last night battled to control a blaze on a North-East industrial estate.

The fire, which destroyed several hundred tonnes of waste timber and wooden pallets on the Alliance Industrial Estate, in Albert Hill, Darlington, raged across a two-acre site.

More than 25 firefighters braved the heat to tackle the blaze, and crews were expected to be still at the scene this morning.

It is not yet known what sparked the blaze among the pallets, which were due to be recycled into wood chips.

It is estimated the temperature at the heart of the fire reached 800 degrees and that 200,000 litres of water would be needed before it was finally extinguished.

Station officer Dave Mitchelson, of Darlington fire station, said last night that it was one of the biggest blazes the town's firefighters had tackled during the past 12 months.

He said: "I could see the fire as I drove in from about seven or eight miles away.

"But there was nobody at risk and, hopefully, very little property will be damaged."

It is understood that the business is run by Tony Shepherd.

A 12,000sq ft steel building within the compound was saved by firefighters - as were neighbouring units.

The fire, which turned the sky above Darlington orange, started at about 6pm.

As well as four tenders, the fire service used a special vehicle from Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City, to pump water directly from the River Skerne.

As firefighters tackled the blaze, the surrounding units were sealed off, to ensure the safety of the crowds of people who turned out to watch the drama.

Michael Grey, who runs a neighbouring business, expressed his thanks to the fire brigade for stopping the flames from spreading.

He said: "They managed to contain the fire - but it was so hot, you couldn't get anywhere near."