A FAMILY had to flee from their home in Atherton after a chimney fire.

Firefighters spent about six hours at the blaze, in Newbrook Road, after being first called at about 9.15pm last night.

The fire started after heat left the chimney through a small hole and caught a timber joist, with smoke being visible from a first floor bedroom.

A couple and an elderly relative evacuated before firefighters from Bolton North and Atherton stations arrived, and were unhurt.

The last fire crew left the house at about 3am, to ensure that the blaze had been fully extinguished.

There was smoke damage caused to the flooring of the bedroom and water damage following the efforts of the firefighters. but the family were able to return home.