Firefighters were called to the scene of a major fire broken in Gateshead.

The blaze started in Mascott Services in Bensham on Saturday afternoon, and smoke could be seen billowing across the skyline.

Residents on nearby Alexandra Road were evacuated from their homes as a precaution due to the high winds, and neighbours were advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Worried onlookers gathered in the surrounding area, with cordons put in place for several hours.

Local MP Ian Mearns was among dozens at the scene.

He said: "This is an area I've represented for many years and I'm very familiar with so it's really concerning.

"I'm not sure if the garage and joinery workshop are still operational but I know the printworks is so I just hope there's no serious damage to operational businesses.

"The emergency services did an amazing job."