FIREFIGHTERS had a lucky escape when a roof collapsed as they tackled a blaze in a pickle factory. Arsonists are being blamed for the fire, at McCormick's -- formerly Noel's -- in Stanhill Road, Knuzden.

The blaze broke out in a ground-floor office and rapidly spread into the factory roof space. Station officer Kevin Gibson said: "The roof collapsed while the men were in there.

"They were very fortunate not to be right underneath it."

Firemen were at the scene for five hours controlling the blaze, which severely damaged the roof and smoke-logged the factory.