Two people were forced to flee their home after a fire broke out in the loft in the early hours of the morning.

The couple evacuated from their bungalow on Brookhouse Avenue in Farnworth just after 3am.

Fire crews were called to the quiet residential street and remained at the property for two and a half hours.

No injuries were reported but the roof of the house was left badly damaged, with temporary coverings being put in place by mid-morning.

Singed and damaged material taken from the loft could be seen in the front garden of the property as emergency repairs took place. 

A spokesperson for Farnworth fire station said: "The fire service would like to remind people to check their smoke alarms.

"It's important to check them, especially over the festive period."

The cause of the fire is not yet known.