A WOMAN escaped unhurt after a fire scare caused by a cloth catching the cooker.

Fire crews were called to a flat in Slater Street in Halliwell at 5.30pm yesterday after a cloth draped over the woman's shoulder caught a ring, which was still hot, on an electric hob.

The cloth started smouldering and the woman managed to throw it into the shower and escaped injury.

Crews used a specialist fan to get rid of the smoke.

Fire officers are now urging people to take extra while cooking when wearing loose clothing.

Crew Manager Andy Bolton said: "Loose clothing can easily catch fire when you are cooking so please take extra care.

"If you are near a heat source and are wearing loose clothing please be extra vigilant."

Firefighters were on the scene for approximately 45 minutes.