YOUTHS started a camp fire close to where firefighters spent the weekend battling moorland fires.

Firefighters were called close to Winter Hill last night after the fire was spotted by a passer-by.

The fire was started by two young people on land off 'Mast Road' in Horwich, amongst some trees just before 9pm last night.

They quickly left the scene as fire crews arrived.

Firefighters from Bury Fire Station were called to the incident.

Crew Manager Keith Hadley said: "I just couldn't believe it, they had made a little camp fire.

"We had spent from Friday and all weekend tackling moorland fires, because of the dry weather everything is a tinderbox.

"Luckily the fire was spotted and we were called, the two lads left quickly so we didn't have a chance to talk to them."

He added: "Fires like this put pressure on resources and risks livelihoods. If young people want a barbecue, then do one at home.

"We need the public to play their part ­— not have barbecues on the moors, not to just throw cigarettes on the floor."