ARSONISTS are believed to be responsible for a fire at a disused pub.

The small fire started in the bar area of The Globe, in Whessoe Road, Darlington, just before 3.30pm yesterday.

Station officer Steve Owers, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said he believed the fire had been started maliciously.

There was a small amount of damage caused, but the blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes.