The former University of Bolton students’ union building has been seriously damaged by a fire.

At its height, more than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze, which gutted the ground floor of the building on Derby Street early this morning.

Two fire engines from Bolton Central were the first on the scene at about 12.30am, but they were later joined by crews from Horwich, Farnworth, Bury and Atherton.

Firefighters managed to stop the blaze spreading to the first floor and the roof, and crews were on the site until about 7am to ensure it was under control.

The students’ union building was vacated at the end of this academic year and was due to be demolished as part of the plans to rebuild the campus.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.