A POPULAR fish and chip shop has been destroyed in a huge blaze.

The fire engulfed AJ's Cafe, in Albert Road, Farnworth at about 4.20pm today.

About 35 firefighters were at the scene using a high pressure lance and arial platform.

The cause of the blaze is still being investigated and nobody was injured as the chip shop was closed for the Bank Holiday.

Jessica Keating-Millington, aged 21, of Farnworth, was part of a large crowd looking on as the fire took hold.

She said: “There was lots of smoke coming out of the building. The fire looked quite bad. There were three fire engines there.”

Local residents were advised to keep their windows closed as the area was hit by huge plumes of smoke.

A fire spokesperson said: The positioning of the building is making it hard for the fire crew.

There is lots of smoke in the area so we would advice people to stay away and for residents in the area to shut their windows.

"We won't know how it started until the fire has been put out an officers have been able to get inside.

We are liaising with the police and the local council to get the area cordoned off."