WORKERS at an industrial estate in Bury have been evacuated after a large amount of paper and cardboard went up in flames this afternoon.

Four fire engines were called to the Fernhill Industrial Estate, in Every Street, at 1.11pm following reports of fire coming from the roof.

Firefighters got the fire under control using jets and hose reels but local residents have been advised to close their windows and doors due to a large smoke plume in the area.

Station Manager Pete Lamb, who was at the incident, said: “It’s a mini industrial estate with a small number of units, one of which is involved in fire.

"As a precaution we have evacuated people from the surrounding units while we tackle the fire.

“The fire is under control and crews are digging it out but it’s still producing quite a lot of smoke which is drifting further towards Bury so we’re asking people to close their windows and doors.

“We’re not sure exactly what the unit is but it stored a large amount of paper and cardboard.”

Firefighters are being supported at the scene by Greater Manchester Police and the North West Ambulance Service.