I was convinced that this lady, who had quite a sense of humour, was just pulling my leg

Mr Arthur, of Heaton, said: "It had been the annual flag day for Bolton Samaritans. I had been out shaking a tin for them in the town centre most of the day and at about tea-time had returned to the branch, in Bark Street, to thaw out and help with the inevitable paperwork.

"One of the other volunteers came rushing in and said that the town hall was on fire.

"At the time I worked in the town hall, so I was convinced that this lady, who had quite a sense of humour, was just pulling my leg.

"However, when two or three others came in with the same story I decided to go and have a look.

"As I left the branch and walked down Bridge Street, I could see from the orange glow in the sky that it was no joke."