FORTY firefighters battled to stop a blaze at a Bury mill spreading to nearby homes.

Residents next to Greenbrook Mill off Haslam Street in Chesham were not evacuated but were ordered to stay in doors as thick smoke enveloped surrounding streets as flames swept through the disused factory last Thursday evening.

Eight fire appliances were called in to tackle the blaze at 6.20pm and crews spent three hours bringing the flames under control. Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night.

A number of cars and a large amount of furniture which was stored inside the mill were destroyed.

Watch commander Peter Crolla from Bury Fire Station: "When we arrived the mill was well alight and our main concern was the flames spreading to surrounding homes. The crews did a fantastic job to prevent this."

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze.