MORE than 20 firefighters spent around five hours tackling a grass fire on moors above Bolton.

In a continuation of the fires which brought devastation to moorland across Belmont and Smithills last week, five fire engines were called to Scout Road and Mast Road.

The fire at 4pm on Saturday was thought to have been caused by children playing with matches.

Fire crews used mats to beat the flames under control. The remained at the scene until 9pm.

Leading fireman Darren Banks, of Bolton Central Fire Station, said: "The wind was a big problem and because it is so open up there the flames intensify.

"We are hoping the forecast rain will do us a huge favour."

As reported, a record number of grass fires have stretched fire cover in Bolton to the limit.

A two mile stretch of moorland at Belmont was ablaze last Tuesday, with 130 firefighters tackling the flames. Moorland near Smithills has also been badly damaged.

Fire chiefs say there has not been as many grass fires for more than 10 years.