RESIDENTS were evacuated after a blaze at an outbuilding at a home in Brookhouse Lane.

Firefighters spent 18 hours tackling the flames to ensure they didn't spread to neighbouring cottages.

Crews from Congleton and Macclesfield were called out at around 4.30 on Saturday afternoon after reports that an outbuilding was well alight.

Later engines from Crewe, Alsager and a Staffordshire Fire Service engine from Sandyford came to back up the operation, which saw officers remain at the scene through the night, finally leaving at 11am yesterday (Sunday).

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said residents living in neighbouring properties were evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

Fire officers damped down the smouldering building using a high pressure hose reel jet, a main jet and two hose reels. While the perimeter was scanned using a thermal imaging camera to ensure no hot spots were left.

Congleton Fire Station said on Twitter: "Congleton fire crews would like to thank #SandyfordFire Staffordshire appliance, Macclesfield, Crewe and Alsager for their hard work dealing with a fire in Congleton earlier today (Sunday).

"Great work by all prevented the fire from spreading to houses nearby."

A fire investigation is underway.