THE owner of a well-known Bury motor cycle dealership is recovering from serious burns after a fierce blaze ripped through the showroom and workshop.

Roy Armstrong (56) sustained 30 per cent burns in the fire which severely damaged his Italsport Ducati shop in Yarwood Street, off Rochdale Road.

More than 25 firefighters tackled the blaze which destroyed around 20 motor bikes. It is believed it started when petrol vapours ignited as Mr Armstrong was working on a machine which backfired. A 26-year-old man was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but he declined hospital treatment.

Fire crews fought the blaze from the rear and front of the single-storey building after being called out at 10.15am on Wednesday.

Smoke and flames were visible over a wide area and police mounted a cordon in Yarwood Street, near the main entrance to the shop.

At one stage, flames shot through the roof of the premises and fire officers deployed a hydraulic platform to train a hose on the blazing building.

Station Officer Michael Howard, of Bury fire station, said: "The fire started in the workshop and then spread. Around ten bikes in the showroom were destroyed as were others in the workshop. I estimate the fire probably destroyed 20 motorcycles in all."

It is understood that one of the machines wrecked in the blaze had been owned and ridden by former motor bike world champion Carl Fogarty.

The fierce blaze also caused the workshop's asbestos roof to collapse, throwing debris into the air. Officers spent around two hours bringing the outbreak under control. Other areas of the shop escaped damage. But Station Officer Howard added: "The whole building was compromised as a result of the fire and a dangerous buildings inspector was called out."

Five pumps from Bury, Heywood and Blackley spent more than three hours tackling the blaze. Electric supplies in the area were disconnected for a short time until the gas supply was isolated and made safe. There was also some disruption to traffic.

Mr Armstrong, who runs Italsport with his son, was taken to Fairfield Hospital in Bury before being transferred to Manchester's Wythenshawe Hospital for treatment to upper body burns. His condition is described as "comfortable."

The businessman, of Fletcher Fold, Bury, was one of Mike Hailwood's mechanics when he worked for the legendary sports motor cyclist. He also raced bikes in various TT championships The Bury shop is well-known in motorcycling circles.