FIRE crews spent all night on the moors to deal with a grass blaze.

The alert was raised by a pilot flying over the moors who spotted the fire in the Winter Hill area at 4.50pm on Friday.

There were initial reports a plane had crashed but police confirmed this was not the case. 

Crews from Darwen and Greater Manchester were called to tackle the large grass fire, which was said to be around a mile from the Georges Lane, Horwich, area.

They also used the off road soft track vehicle to tackle the blaze.

Homeowners were warned to keep their windows closed around Belmont and Rivington to prevent their properties being affected by smoke.

Witnesses reported seeing the fire between Belmont and Abbey Village.

A GMFRS spokesman said: "The fire is on the Darwen side of the moors. Our crews have been there all night, and many more pumps from Lancashire."

A Lancashire Fire Service spokesman added: "On Friday afternoon a small moorland fire was reported to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

"When crews arrived, the fire turned out to be much bigger than first reported, a five acre fire was covering Darwen Moor. Firefighters from Lancashire and Manchester were brought in to help extinguish the fire.

"By the time it went dark the fire was still spreading  and firefighters went into defensive mode to ensure that the five farms in the area were protected.

"At 5am on Saturday morning, 12 fire engines from Lancashire and Manchester were sent to the fire so firefighters could begin to attack the fire as soon as day breaks.

"All walkers are reminded to take extra care on the fells and moors at this time of the year."

The fire was extinguished on Saturday morning, with a number of crews remaining in the area to check for further hotspots.