BOSSES at a bathroom warehouse have been counting the cost of a massive fire which tore through the building yesterday.

Manager John Parker has been sifting through the debris at Smith's Bathrooms on the Vale Mill Industrial Estate, Star Lane, Horwich.

More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze. The fire damaged 50 per cent of the first floor and destroyed the roof. Thousands of pounds worth of bathroom fittings went up in smoke.

Horwich fire sub officer Shaun Walton said investigations were taking place into the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters prevented the flames spreading from the storage area of the industrial unit. At the height of the blaze, they used an ariel ladder and five pumps.

Mr Walton said: "It was a large blaze which was severe when we arrived. There was brand new bathroom furniture in there which has been completely destroyed."