he next phase of the clear-up of a still-smouldering fire at a County Durham tyre factory is due to begin.

The fire, involving thousands of tonnes of rubber at the Littleburn Industrial Estate, Langley Moor, was brought under control on 21 April.

It is being left to burn itself out as this will release less smoke into the environment than using water.

Samples of burned material are to be analysed, prior to a decision on how and when it can all be safely removed.

The situation, at Envirotyres, near Langley Moor, is being managed by the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham County Council, the Environment Agency and the Health Protection Agency.

Large amounts of smoke had been produced during the earlier stages of the fire, and leaflets were sent out warning residents and local people to take precautions.

The fire service said in a statement: "We want people to understand we are doing all we can to deal with this incident, which continues to be a challenge for everyone involved."

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