FIREFIGHTERS are warning youngsters to keep away from derelict buildings after they discovered hundreds of used needles in a shed.

A crew from Farnworth was called to Kenyon Grove in Little Hulton after a fire was started in a disused shed yesterday afternoon.

The firefighters put out the blaze, which they believe was started by children, before collecting hundreds of hypodermic needles from the premises and surrounding gardens.

Sub-officer Rob Gibson said: "We filled two boxes with the needles and could have gone on collecting them all afternoon.

"We really need to highlight the dangers of children playing in derelict buildings when they are full of used needles. We're not interested in the politics, just the dangers for children."