FIREFIGHTERS had a knotty problem to solve when they were called to extinguish a blaze in a tree.

Youths are suspected of starting the fire in an old ash tree in South Park, Darlington, yesterday.

The tree, which stands about 40ft high, is well established but has become hollowed in the roots.

The blaze was started among the roots but by the time firefighters arrived had burned up inside the tree, which stands next to the lake.

Leading firefighter Dane Rollo, who was in charge of the operation, said: "You could see the smoke, but you couldn't see where the fire was so it was difficult to extinguish.

"We had to get inside the bottom of the tree with a hose reel and used some chimney rods as well."

Firefighters did not have to damage the tree to put the blaze out and it is still standing.