SLEEPING residents had a rude awakening when a container full of compacted feathers was rocked by two huge explosions.

And hours later, householders in Leigh Lane, Elton, Bury, could be forgiven for thinking Christmas had arrived early.

For the area was strewn with thousands of feathers which covered pavements and roads - resembling a mini snow storm!

A fierce fire ripped through the trailer just before midnight on Monday.

And Bury Times reader and amateur photographer Lee Petch raced from his home in nearby Melrose Avenue to take a picture of the container minutes after it was rocked by the blasts. "I was in the house when I heard two large explosions," he said. "I looked out and saw flames coming from the other side of the road. I then called the fire brigade."

The loud bangs could be heard for miles around and discarded feathers from the fire-ravaged container were blown over a wide area.

Fire crews from Bury spent two-and-a-half hours tackling the mystery blaze, the cause of which is still under investigation.

It is understood the large supply of compacted feathers was destined for a bed or pillow manufacturer.

In fact, the blasts were so fierce they blew the tyres off the trailer unit. Officers prevented the flames from engulfing the attached driver's cab.

Hours later, in the aftermath of the blaze, the full wreckage of the container could be seen with feathers littering the road and pavements.

"Feathers were lying everywhere," added Mr Petch. "It looked like Christmas."

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