AN OUTHOUSE was completely destroyed in a fire believed to have been started by discarded smoking materials.

The blaze started at around 9am today in Aldercroft Avenue in Breightmet and the building was already well alight when firefighters arrived on the scene.

The outhouse was completely destroyed in the fire.

The fire narrowly avoided spreading to the house but there was smoke damage to the property and two windows were also damaged.

Two adults were inside the house when the fire started and had exited the property by the time firefighters arrived.

Watch manager at Bolton North fire station, Neil Mercer, said there was two 'dangerous type dogs' in the yard where the outhouse was and firefighters were delayed in battling the blaze while the owners got them under control.

Three fire engines attended the scene.