FIREFIGHTERS had to wear special chemical suits to clear a mustard spillage at a Leigh factory.

Staff at the Patak plant, off Atherleigh Way, had to be evacuated after a pint of pure mustard oil was spilt.

The oil, which is used as a food additive in pickles, is a dangerous chemical in its purest form, and even melted a worker's shoes.

Firefighters, who all wore protective suits and masks, spent two hours clearing up after the accident on Wednesday morning, and had to use sand to absorb the spillage as water might have reacted with the chemical.

They also set up industrial fans to ventilate the building as the mustard made people's eyes water.

Leigh fire station sub-officer Darren Baird said: "It was very strong stuff, even though it was such a small spillage.

"It smelt very pungent and we had to spend so long there to make sure the area was safe as the substance is very nasty stuff when it's in its purest form."