GALE force winds reduced part of a former Methodist church in Bury to rubble.

And half a dozen homes next to the disused place of worship were under threat after yesterday's storms brought the roof and side walls of the Fairy Street building crashing down.

Only the facade of the 19th century building remained intact, although the weakened brickwork threatened to collpase into nearby homes.

The emergency services were called into action and surrounding streets were closed off at noon after the church's collapse. Three hours later, property owners Kendal Developments Ltd of Bury brought in demolition teams to make the structure safe.

One eye witness said: "It was amazing. I saw the roof simply lift off in the wind and the building just collapsed."

Home owners living opposite were asked to stay in the rear of their houses as the remaining structure threatened to spill over.