FIRE chiefs were today investigating the cause of a blaze which wrecked one of Pendle's oldest working men's clubs.

Flames leapt through the roof of the Palatine club in Norfolk Street, Nelson, as firefighters from four towns fought the blaze, which broke out shortly after 2am today.

The first-floor lounge and bar area was destroyed by fire and heat and there was extensive damage to the roof and ground-floor beer storage areas.

Firefighters used a turntable ladder to tackle the blaze as colleagues broke open the main entry door to reach the seat of the fire, in the bar and an adjoining room.

The club, founded in 1919, had not been open to the public for some days, although it is understood a wedding celebration was booked for tonight.

It is understood the club changed hands about 12 months ago and is now owned by a Halifax businessman.

Firefighters were still damping down the premises this afternoon and fire investigators were at the scene.

A fire brigade spokesman said the blaze was being treated as 'suspicious.'

The Palatine, once one of the most popular social and dancing centres in the area, has often struggled to survive in recent years.

Fire appliances from Nelson, Colne, Burnley and Accrington were called to fight the blaze.

A fire spokesman said: "There is a tremendous amount of damage through the building. It is a virtual write-off."

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