CROWDS gathered as a major blaze ripped through a disused mill in Farnworth in 1992.

The fire gutted the mill on Gladstone Road sending clouds of thick, black smoke into the air which could be seen for several miles around.

Fire crews could only contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring houses. The mill’s roof caved in and the internal walls and floors were destroyed by the fire.

Crew stayed through the night to damp down the scene and to prevent any further flare-ups.

Specialist investigators were later on the scene to determine the cause of the blaze