DOZENS of firefighters spent hours tackling a huge blaze which swept across acres of moorland above Bolton yesterday.

The fire started between Belmont Road and Winter Hill early yesterday evening and, fanned by wind, spread over more than 40,000 square metres of land. At the height of the blaze, 50 firefighters were at the scene.

Fire service spokesman Tony Hunter said: "At one point, the fire spread for a mile in a straight line, but the firefighters have done a fantastic job."

Fire chiefs say a spell of warm weather has left grass tinder-dry. Yesterday's blaze comes a day after seven crews spent hours dealing with a moors fire near Darwen. Mr Hunter said it was crucial that anybody enjoying the moors made sure they took extra care in disposing of cigarette ends and other litter. "The next two weeks are also forecast to be dry," he said.

"Not only does this sort of incident require a lot of manpower, it also destroys the natural habitat of a lot of wildlife."