Neighbours today told how they were forced to evacuate their homes after a huge fire at a Lancashire factory.
Eighty firefighters, including staff from as far away as Preston and Cumbria were called to the 2 Sisters Food Group factory on White Lund Industrial Estate in Morecambe at 2.30am on Monday.
The fire quickly spread throughout the building with smoke and flames seen streaming from the roof.
Eighteen fire appliances were called to the scene when the fire broke out.
Some local people were taken to safety while others have been advised to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed. 150 people were evacuated in total.
At one point.plume of smoke around a mile long stretched out to the sea.
Ian Dunmore, 32, who was awoken by police hammering on his door, said: "It was still dark but as the sun came up you could see the thick black smoke. I had to get my seven-year-old son Lewis dressed.
"We were told to gather on a nearby car park at the Co-op but we could feel it burning our throat. We were told to go to the Elms Hotel.
"The community really pulled together - even though many people were strangers everyone was of the mind that it was nice to finally meet their neighbours.
"I took some complete strangers in my car because they didn't have transport."
Sharon Allen, 33, lives opposite the factory.
She said: "I could hear noises outside at about 3am and looked outside. I was really shocked. The flamed were roaring. I was a bit scared as my children and their friend were sleeping in the front bedroom and I thought it might blow up.
"The helicopter came over - there was a siren wailing and a message that kept telling us to keep our windows closed and stay indoors."
A spokesman for Lancashire Fire Service said: "2 Sisters have a security person on 24 hours.
"He heard the alarm, went to invstigate and found smoke coming out of the reception building.
"The police evacuated more than 150 people from nearby homes and about 60 were taken to Salt Ayre Sports centre. They were allowed to come home about 5.30am.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation."
2 sisters Food Group is based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands and produces ready-meals and chicken-based products.
Do you have pictures or video from the blaze? Call our Newsdesk on (01772) 838107.>> Vote in our latest web poll 
