GUESTS from the Moat House were forced to evacuate just 24 hours earlier when a minor blaze broke out at the luxury hotel, it was revealed this afternoon.

More than 200 sales people from Wirral-based Max Spielman were forced to flee their rooms on Sunday night when someone left an iron switched on.

David Edwards, Managing Director of Max Spielman, said: "We are absolutely devastated. We left the hotel at 4.30pm on Monday after a superb conference. It was the first time that we had held a conference there. And it was the best. The staff were brilliant and the facilities were superb.

"No one from our company stayed over Monday night. We were shocked when we heard this morning."

Businesses from all over the country flock to the Moat House due to its close proximity to the motorway network.

Kay Gregson from the Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce said: "It is very convenient for businesses. Not only is it easy to get to from anywhere in the country, it is also handy for members of the public to drop in and look at the exhibitions.

"Its facilities mean it is geared to major conferences and has always been a popular choice."