TWO farms were threatened last night when huge grass fires destroyed more than six square miles of moorland near Belmont.

Sixty firefighters from Bolton and Lancashire battled for three hours to control two separate fires - both thought to have been started deliberately.

It is believed the fires were started by youths who were seen on mountain bikes.

Five appliances from Bolton helped in the massive operation as walls of flame, fanned by strong winds, threatened to engulf Ward Court Farm and Bromiley's Farm on Belmont Road.

Five fire crews from the Lancashire Brigade dealt with a fire further down the road which was raging at the same time.

The police helicopter monitored the spread of the flames as fire fighters worked with beaters in choking smoke. No-one was injured and there was no damage to livestock.

But a fire-brigade spokesman said it could have been much worse. He said: "If the fire had reached the farms there would have been a great deal of damage. There are farm houses and buildings containing sheep and quite a lot of livestock which would have been trapped.

"Any kids who think starting these fires is fun should think again. Once the flames are fanned by winds they can easily outrun a person. I understand these kids were on mountain bikes and it just takes one of them to fall off and you could have something serious on your hands. "As it is, a large area of land used by animals for grazing has been destroyed and people should take extra care because the grass is tinder dry."

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