A BLAZE ripped through a North-East scrapyard last night when 60 tons of waste metal went up in flames.

Plumes of smoke could be seen high above Ward Bros, in Cleveland Street, Albert Hill, Darlington, after a fire started in the processing part of the yard.

The blaze, which began at 4.40pm, is believed to have been started by an aerosol can exploding as it was lifted by a grabber.

Four fire pumps were sent to the yard from Darlington, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland and at least 15 firefighters battled to get the flames under control.

They struggled because of the lack of water hydrants near the site. One engine was sent back and forth to a hydrant to collect water, and long hoses were used. By 7.15pm, it was dying down but was expected to take several hours to burn itself out.

Station Officer Jon Pringle said: "There is quite a lot of scrap metal in there, approximately 60 tons, and we presume it has started by means of an aerosol can.

"As it's been picked up by the grabber it has popped - that's what we are assuming.

"It burns very hot and very fiercely, so it looks worse than it is. A lot of the reason for the plumes is the water we are putting on it.

"Nobody was hurt and we have managed to limit it within the site."

Robert Ward, who owns the business with his father, watched as firefighters tackled the flames.

He said: "There is something been put through the machine and it's ignited. It's probably only something stupid but now it's got hold it's hard to point the finger at where it's come from."

The family firm has been in Albert Hill for about 20 years.