FIREFIGHTERS and staff led 48 elderly residents to safety last night after fire severely damaged a nursing home.

The blaze - described by police as a major incident - caused extensive damage to Regent's View Nursing Home, in Francis Way, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside.

None of the residents required medical attention and all were relocated to other homes in the area run by owners Four Seasons Health Care.

Ten fire engines and four specialist tenders responded to the blaze, which was reported at 4.52pm. It is understood that it may have started in the roof space, but the cause was still under investigation last night.

A spokesman for Four Seasons, based in St Cuthbert's Way, Darlington, said: "Everyone, including the staff were able to leave the building safely, however substantial damage was sustained to the building.

"Relatives are being informed about the incident by company representatives.

"The fire will be the subject of four separate inquiries to ascertain both its cause and to evaluate how our staff handled the evacuation. The company has been able to find places for all the residents in its other homes in the local area."

Four Seasons has set up a 24-hour hotline for residents' relatives, on 0191-526 0837.