A PAPER recycling factory was destroyed on Wednesday night causing traffic chaos on one of the busiest roads in Bolton.

Seventy firefighters were called to Paperchase, on the Cambrian Business Park, Derby Street, Bolton, at 4.50pm, as the building went up in flames.

Derby Street was closed from College Way to Peace Street. Lumsden Street was also closed, causing long queues and the closures remained in place until 6.40am on Thursday.

It was believed a number of gas cylinders were inside the factory and nearby premises were evacuated as a precaution. There were no reports of injuries.

Firefighters acted quickly to save a nearby soft drinks factory and Home Maker Superstore, the business next to Paperchase.

Paul Starling, Farnworth station officer, said: "The severity of the fire meant the next door building was in danger so we went inside and began a salvage operation, moving the stock away from the wall nearest the fire."

Firefighters used an aerial platform to spray water through the burning roof - which was made from glass fibre and corrugated sheets, but because of the light construction of the building the fire spread rapidly.

Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night.

The businesses on the Cambrian Business Park were due to remain closed all day.

Fire investigators arrived this morning and the cause of the fire is still unknown.