DRINKERS were evacuated from a busy social club after fire broke out in the steward's flat above.

More than 150 members had to flee after fire broke out at Leigh Bowling Club but fortunately none were injured. Within 48 hours it was business as usual at the Pownall Street premises.

The drama began at around 8.50pm on Saturday after smoke was spotted pouring from hosts Mick and Janet Garvey's upstairs living accommodation.

Mr Garvey, 44, evacuated the club immediately and tried to tackle the blaze using a fire extinguisher but the intense heat drove him back.

Fire crews rushed to put out the flames which started during a power cut.

The upper floor and roof were alight when crews arrived and the living quarters were destroyed before the blaze could be got under control.

The flat was wrecked but nobody was hurt.

Mr Garvey and his 48-year-old wife Janet lost their possessions in the blaze.

On Monday he said: "It was a good job somebody coming into the club spotted it otherwise it could have been much worse.

"Everybody went outside and most stood there watching the blaze.

"We had had a power cut and we had lit candles to provide light, but they were big thick ones, not the kind you can easily knock over and they weren't near to anything flammable.

"My wife had only been down in the club about 20 minutes when it happened and had been back in to the flat during that time preparing refreshments and everything was OK then.

"Our 19-year-old son Rowan was out at the time it happened but we contacted him in Manchester and told him to stay at a friend's home.

"All we were left with were the clothes we were standing in. Everything is gone, even the wedding album."

The club was slightly damaged by water as fire crews used two jets to dampen the flames but it was open for business as usual on Monday.

The Garveys found temporary accommodation with another son who lives in nearby Ennerdale Road. But on Monday Mr Garvey was awaiting the arrival of a caravan at Pownall Street which is being loaned by a member so the steward can remain on site while the damage is repaired. Fire officers are investigating.