RESIDENTS were roused from their beds and told to stay indoors or evacuate their homes as a precaution against a possible explosion after an early morning garage blaze.

Firefighters maintained a 25-hour vigil over a potentially dangerous acetylene cylinder following the fire which destroyed a mechanic's workshop at Montfords' Yard on Jury Street, Westleigh.

Because an acetylene cylinder was inside the burning building police warned residents in a 200 metres radius and firefighters had to remain outside the building.

Leigh Sub Officer Andy Horton said: "Acetylene cylinders are very volatile when heated -- if they explode it can be like a small bomb going off."

Within two hours firefighters from Leigh, Atherton and Farnworth had the blaze under control.

The garage building -- constructed of metal sheeting on a timber frame --was totally destroyed. Firefighters believe a car and mechanic's equipment were inside the building.

Part of the roof of neighbouring firm Atherton Windows was damaged but due to quick acting fire crews the blaze was prevented from spreading.