Thunderstorms raged across the skies of York and North Yorkshire - and kept firefighters busy with call-outs.

Fire engines from York, Malton, Easingwold, Huntington, Selby, Tadcaster, Acomb and Harrogate were drafted in to assist with 11 incidents from lightning strikes and storm-related incidents between 8.30am and 9.50am yesterday.

Although there was no damage to York properties, firefighters were called to nine buildings including The Mount School, Treasurer's House and the Retreat Hospital.

Many of the call-outs were due to fire alarms being set off.

Four properties in Hall Park, Barlby, near Selby, suffered electrical problems after lightning struck one property and travelled through a vent in the roof to the gas fire flue, before arcing across the lighting circuit and plaster board.

All the first-floor lighting in the house was damaged.

Other properties in Hall Park suffered damage to sockets.

A house in North Duffield was damaged when lightning struck the roof and chimney stack.

Firefighters removed the chimney stacks and loose bricks at The Beeches, Main Street, to make the property safe.

Updated: 11:12 Monday, June 23, 2003