A HUGE blaze broke out at a recycling centre in Padiham this afternoon.

Eight crews from across the region were sent to tackle the flames, with an incident command unit from Fulwood also at the Park Road site.

The huge plume of smoke rising from the blaze was visible all over East Lancashire.

ABOVE: Video from Lancashire Telegraph reader Paul Matty shows smoke rising from the scene of the fire

Park Road is closed both ways due to smoke blowing across the road between Park View and Elizabeth Street. 

The incident caused widespread traffic congestion, and police are advising people to avoid the area.

The fire is now understood to be under control, but Lancashire Fire and Rescue is advising people in the area to keep windows and doors closed.

  • Full story in Thursday's Lancashire Telegraph.