FIREFIGHTERS battled for an hour to put out a blaze which damaged a classic sports car and destroyed a garage.

An adjoining greenhouse also went up in flames in the early hours of Wednesday, in Warrington Road, Abram.

Hindley and Wigan firefighters arrived at the scene at 3.30am but their work was hampered by because the greenhouse contained three propane gas cylinders, which they feared would explode.

Sub officer Phil Yates, of Hindley fire station, said the fire had been started maliciously.

The garage was in an allotment at the back of a row of terraced houses.

Garage owner Peter Carney, who lives in Warrington Road, said the damage was extensive and may cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

He said: "In the garage there were collectors' car bits. Not just mine, but other people's also. Some could be difficult to replace."

Mr Carney, 59, a retired engineer, collects classic cars and was horrified to discover his 28-year-old Triumph Stag had been damaged.

He said: "I tried to go in and get the car but luckily I was stopped from going in."

The plastic rear light cover was melted by the heat, along with part of the car registration plate.

But Mr Carney is relieved that things were not any worse.

He said: "I'm glad the fire did not spread to other garages. I'm also glad the petrol tank in my car didn't go up, and I'm thankful the cylinders didn't explode."

Even though Mr Carney's bedroom window overlooks the garage, he only knew about the fire when a neighbour phoned at 4am.

He said: "When I looked out the bedroom window, I couldn't believe it. I was in shock."

A police spokesman said an investigation has been launched into the blaze.