GET-WELL messages have flooded in for a “tough cookie” badly burnt in an explosion at a North- East industrial estate.

Colin Dixon was left with head, arm and hand injuries after the blast at Cleveland Industrial Estate, in Darlington, on Thursday.

The 63-year-old was airlifted to hospital and was yesterday in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

Mr Dixon was working on a vehicle at Auto Technics, a company that converts petrol cars to gas, when an acetylene container exploded, resulting in a large fire.

An investigation into the explosion was continuing yesterday, with fire service and police officials among the agencies involved.

Well-wishers have taken to the comments section of The Northern Echo’s website to leave messages of support.

Mike1967 wrote: “Such a shame, he’s a great family friend, and a tough cookie! Hope he pulls through OK.”

Darlolad2000 said: “Hope you make a speedy recovery and the business gets back up and running.”

Tricky2009 wrote: “Spot on bloke, hope he recovers from this.

My thoughts are with you and your family.”

Mini78018 commented: “I was at the scene when it happened and Col was walking and talking but badly injured. I hope he gets well soon.”

More than 40 emergency services personnel were called to the incident on Thursday lunchtime.

Staff at neighbouring units on the industrial estate were getting back to normal yesterday, after being hastily evacuated from the scene when the alarm was raised.

John Robson, of Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said firefighters were at the scene for much of Thursday night, amid concerns further gas cylinders could explode.

He said: “It is usual procedure to have an investigation into an incident like this and we are starting to look for answers on how it occurred.

“The cooling of the remaining gas cylinders has been completed and that is it as far as the operational side of the incident is concerned, so now we are looking at the hows, whys and whats.”

Trains on the East Coast Main Line were halted for several hours as the Auto Technics unit is adjacent to the railway.