NO ONE is believed to have been hurt after a large-scale fire in Haltwhistle.

Firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze which broke out overnight and saw neighbouring properties evacuated.

The alarm was raised at around 2am to the fire at Haltwhistle Working Men’s Club on the junction of Bank House and Lanty’s Lonnen. 

Six pumps and an aerial ladder from Carlisle East Fire Service attended.

The fire is now under control but emergency services will remain on scene and surrounding roads will remain closed.

People are being asked to avoid the area. 

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service group manager Richard Leighton said: “The building has been severely damaged by fire with a partial collapse of the gable end. 

“We’ve been working closely with Northumbria Police and the utility companies to make the building safe and we will be here for some time to fully extinguish the fire. 

“I’d like to thank the local community for their support and understanding while we remain on scene and remind people to avoid the area.

"A fire investigation is underway to establish the cause of the blaze.”

Some businesses in the town are closed and school buses were diverted to the Haltwhistle hospital bus stop.