The gas pipe was fractured on Monday afternoon

Homes close to the scene of the leak in Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, were evacuated after a digger smashed into the high pressure main on Monday.

At one point more than 10,000 homes in Crook, Willington and surrounding villages were affected.

United Utilities said the main was repaired early on Tuesday.

Residents were being allowed back into their homes on Tuesday morning after fears of an explosion prompted an overnight evacuation of some properties.

A spokeswoman for United Utilities said: "At this stage we think around 6,000 home are still without gas.

Hot plates

"We are hoping to get a few more on in Willington during the course of the morning.

"We have repaired the damaged main in Middlestone Moor, the A688 has reopened after being closed overnight and families that had to leave their homes have been given the all clear to return."

Many of those forced to leave their homes spent the night at Spennymoor leisure centre.

Insp Ian Butler, from Durham Police, said: "It's a very high pressure gas main which has been ruptured.

"Because of the risk of explosion, it's going to be a long and painful process to make sure that we secure the scene and prevent any escalation of the situation."

Supplies of hot plates and heaters were made available to those who needed them overnight.

About 40 gas engineers worked through the night to repair the fractured pipe, according to United Utilities.

A company spokesman said all those homes affected would receive a visit from an engineer in the coming days.

Anyone worried about their situation should call Northern Gas Networks on 0800 111 999.