DETECTIVES are investigating an alleged firebomb attack which destroyed a top folk singer's pub.

Licensee and Fivepenny Piece star John Eatock was this week surveying the thousands of pounds worth of damage which has closed the down-to-earth Ale House in Henrietta Street, Leigh.

It is believed arsonists poured flammable materials through a smashed window and set curtains alight only minutes after John secured the premises in the early hours of Friday.

An alert family in nearby Endsleigh Gardens called the fire brigade after they saw a flash at the pub.

Paul and Kath Waterworth had just returned from a night out when their 16-years-old son, Jason, shouted from his bedroom that the pub was on fire.

While Kath called 999 Paul and Jason hurried to alert neighbours who were asleep in bed.

Pub's future

It is expected to be 12 weeks before a decision can be made on the pub's future, but it is hoped it will rise from the ashes.

A spokesman said: "The pub had only recently been refurbished with a new bar and carpets. This is so sad because it was just building up. It is a good old-fashioned pub where people can enjoy a drink."

Formerly The Norweb Social Club and then The Grove, the back-to-basics Ale House is renowned for not having a juke box but a piano for entertainment.

The Victorian building contained wood panelling -- believed to have originally been part of the decor at Pennington Hall -- was destroyed along with an antique wooden fireplace.

Entertainer John, who took over the licence six months ago, said: "This is devastating. However I'd like to thank the Waterworths for their swift action and the fire crews for being so professional."

A CID spokesman confirmed that investigations were underway and that police were working with fire brigade officers to establish the cause of the blaze and find those responsible.