TWO of Bolton's most popular play venues have had to close after a fire.

Firefighters rushed to Yusha Ninja and Jump Extreme in Trinity Retail Park shortly after 1am on Sunday morning.

A spokesman from Bolton Central Fire Station said: "We had to cut the roller shutter of Yusha Ninja to gain access. The fire began in the kitchen area of the upper mezanine."

Along with two fire engines from Bolton Central, a pump from Bolton North and a pump from Farnworth spent four hours at the scene.

Kieron Marsh, manager of Yusha Ninja, said: "I came down as soon as I got a text from my friend telling me something was going on.

"We are going to have to remain closed for at least a week. Fortunately though, there are no children's parties booked today."

Sadly this was not the case of Jump Extreme which adjoins Yusha Ninja and which suffered extensive smoke damage.

Its manager said: "There are eight children's parties booked for today so I've had to phone round the parents telling them that we can't open due to events that were completely beyond our control.

"They are very upset, which is understandable . Those children will have been looking forward to today for weeks. They're going to be very disappointed."