STAFF at a sports centre have been praised for 'brilliantly' putting out a blaze before firefighters arrived at the scene.

A crew from Atherton Fire Service was called to Howe Bridge Sports Centre at around 8.30pm on Wednesday, after a light fitting caught fire, causing melted material to drip onto a chair below.

A station spokesman said: “When the crew arrived the fire had already been extinguished by staff at the centre, who are trained in fire safety protocol and how to put out a blaze.

“The staff dealt with the situation very well and made sure that everyone was evacuated.

"They put out the fire correctly and safely.

“It is important that people who are not training in fire safety protocol do not attempt to put out a fire – we recommend that they evacuate the premises, close the doors and call the fire service.

“But in this situation the staff did brilliantly and no-one was hurt.”

The fire was in the climbing area of the centre, which was empty at the time.

The crew ensured that the building was safe before leaving.