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A man in his 80s was rescued from a 'ferocious' bungalow fire after smoke alarms woke him up.

The fire at Shee Recycling in Birtley in February 2022 led to road closures, suspended rail services and forced local schools and businesses to shut.

An investigation found the fire started after the household items were left unattended and the hob accidentally switched on, setting the materials alight.