A 300-YARD exclusion zone was thrown up around a North-East industrial estate last night during a major fire.

More than 50 firefighters were called in to tackle the blaze which was fanned by high winds at Devlins Quay on the Wagonway Industrial Estate, overlooking the Tyne at Hebburn, South Tyneside.

A fire brigade spokesman said the blaze had broken out in cabins containing tyres and gas cylinders at about 3.30pm.

A number of fireboats were called in to help contain the blaze, which spread under a jetty.

As the operation continued into the night, a fire brigade spokesman said: "The fire is being fanned by high winds and has spread under a jetty and it is extremely difficult to it from that position.

"We have drafted in the Tyne and Wear fireboat and a tug and are using a video downloaded from a police helicopter to see how the fire is spreading.

"The problem is that gas cylinders are involved which are in danger of exploding - hence the exclusion zone."

No houses were affected and only the surrounding factories were evacuated.

It is not known how the fire started. No one was hurt.