A major blaze broke out at a former social club – a week after planning permission was granted to demolish it.

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were called to the old Grand Social Club in Great Harwood at around 11.15pm last night and spent more than two hours tackling the fire.

Hyndburn Council last week granted planning permission to demolish the building on Blackburn Road to create eight new apartments.

The scheme from BAC Property Limited would create a mixture of two and one bed apartments and include 11 car parking spaces.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Great Harwood, Blackburn, Darwen and Padiham were called to the scene.

Police were also requested after heavy smoke from the blaze caused disruption on nearby roads.

A fire service spokesperson said: “We received a 999 call to say there was smoke coming from the back of the building and when they arrived found the first floor and roof well alight.

“Two pumps were called at first but that increased to four and then six along with a mobile command unit.

“We are waiting for the building contractors to confirm it is safe before we can get in and start an investigation.”

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said the incident is being treated as 'unexplained'.

“Some nearby residents at the old police station were evacuated but were able to return from about 3.30am and there were some road closures in place.

“Fire investigators will be going there this morning to establish the cause which at the moment is unexplained.”