CUSTOMERS were evacuated from a pub after a burning car rolled along a road and came to stop against the corner of the building.

It is believed the red Citroen AX burst into flames outside its owner's house in Broadhead Road, Edgworth, and the heat caused the handbrake cable to snap.

The vehicle rolled 30 yards towards the White Horse pub at the crossroads with Bolton Road, Blackburn Road and Bury Road, and came to rest against the pub.

Flames engulfed the car, and spread to window frames and guttering at the pub.

About 50 people inside the White Horse were evacuated while firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The drama happened at 5.15pm on Monday.

Watch commander Paul Norris, from Bolton North fire station, said: "The car's owner saw that the vehicle was burning underneath the dashboard and did the correct thing by calling us.

"While we were travelling to the fire, it appears the handbrake cable snapped with the heat. The car rolled quite slowly towards the pub where it came to rest.

"Although it caused some minor damage to the outside of the pub, we managed to stop it spreading inside.

"There was no structural damage and we were happy for the owners to remain open in the evening."