FIREFIGHTERS who rescued a boy who had fallen through the roof of a derelict mill are warning other youngsters to stay clear.

The boy, believed to be aged about 11, had got on to the roof of the former Lodge Mill, Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, and had fallen about nine feet into the premises.

He was spotted by workers at nearby Kingfisher Business Centre who called the fire brigade out at lunchtime yesterday.

Firefighters found the boy with sore wrists, cuts and bruises and helped him to safety out of a rear window and down a ladder.

Sub Officer Frank McVan said: "He was lucky not to be more seriously injured.

If he had fallen through another part of the roof then there are no floors inside and he would have fallen three storeys -- about 30ft.

"A fence at the back of the premises had been broken down.

"Police have informed the owners to improve security."

The former mill was destroyed by fire last year.