A SUSPICIOUS blaze destroyed a double garage and workshop in the remote village of Lumb-in-Rossendale.

Firefighters were today investigating the fire, which was found to have been started in two places in the garage and in a nearby house under construction.

Access to the outbreak, at Heron's Reach, was difficult because the bridge into the village has a weight restriction of seven tonnes and the fire engine is nine.

Rawtenstall Sub Officer Nick Clough said: "We got one vehicle over the bridge and called out the environmental protection unit from Burnley. They have a quad bike which was used to ferry equipment to the firefighters.

"The incident support unit from Accrington also attended and brought a thermal imaging camera."

The roof of the garage collapsed, destroying the contents, which included Hymac plant, a vehicle which was possibly a kit car, and acetylene cylinders.