More than 50 firefighters tackled a huge blaze which ripped through a single storey mill in Crossley Street, Little Lever, yesterday.

The outbreak, at the former Pennine Pet Products premises, destroyed around three quarters of the building, measuring 100 metres by 60 metres.

Nearby residents were asked to keep their doors and windows closed because of the thick, black smoke.

Eight fire appliances and two specialist aerial platforms were at the scene after the blaze was discovered just after 3.30am.

Although manufacturing at the mill ceased last year, the building is still used for storage. The fire destroyed a quantity of pet bedding and other goods.

Firefighters prevented the blaze from engulfing the whole of the mill. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation and fire crews are still maintaining a presence at the building. Several adjoining streets were closed.