FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a major fire at Stockton Hall Hospital near York.

The blaze began in a bedroom at the psychiatric hospital just after 7.30pm and quickly spread.

Eight fire engines and the special aerial ladder platform are on the scene and the hospital has been evacuated.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said two crews from York went to the scene at first, but quickly realised that back-up was needed.

He said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently working on the building to attack the fire."

Water from hydrants and the hospital swimming pool were used to tackle the blaze, the cause of which is not yet known.

It is currently believed that nobody has been hurt.