POLICE are investigating a blaze that destroyed part of a building next to Bolton's new register office at Mere Hall.

The Victorian mansion, which has not been affected by this morning's fire, will open as the borough's new register office tomorrow.

The fire is believed to have been started maliciously.

Fire crews from Bolton Central were called to the building next to the newly refurbished mansion at 4am today. They used three pumps, the hydraulic platform, four jets and wore breathing apparatus to fight the fire but much of the first floor of the building and 50pc of the roof were destroyed.

Sub officer Steve Carey said the building was unoccupied and was awaiting renovation.

Fire crews were expected to remain on site this morning to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.

As reported in last night's BEN Mere Hall will be officially opened tomorrow as the borough's elegant new register office following a £1m refurbishment.

From Saturday register office weddings will take place there rather than the unpopular town centre Paderborn House office block.

The first couple to tie the knot at Mere Hall will be Bill Gandy and his long time girlfriend Beverley Clair, of Tempest Road, Lostock.

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