A PUB caught fire in the early hours of this morning.

Several firefighters from across Lancashire and Greater Manchester were called to the Bowling Green Pub in Preston Road, Charnock Richard, at 3.40am.

A firefighter spokesman said the fire was on the ground floor.

The spokesman said: "Four firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels and a triple extension ladder to bring the fire under control alongside the aerial ladder platform.

"There were no casualties reported.

"Firefighters are still in attendance using a thermal imaging camera to monitor the scene and check for any signs of fire spread.

"An investigation into the fire will be carried out as soon as possible."

The pub began life as a coaching in several hundred years ago, but is now owned by Joseph Holt brewery.