FOUR firefighters were taken to hospital after tackling a chemical spillage at a Ramsbottom firm.

Fire crews from Greater Manchester and Lancashire attended Fort Sterling on Stubbins Lane following the leak at 2.30am today.

A ton of sodium hydro-sulphite, believed to be used in the bleaching of recycled paper, had leaked and vapourised during the papermaking process.

The leakage was contained in the premises and fire crews using breathing apparatus diluted the vapour and helped disperse the residue.

Four firemen from the Greater Manchester service were taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

There were no reported injuries among staff from Fort Sterling.

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