A RAMSBOTTOM dry cleaning business has been left gutted by fire.

Smoke was pouring from the roof of Smart Alec's Dry Cleaning in Kenyon Street when fire crews arrived shortly after 9.30pm on Friday.

The 100 metre sq ground floor unit, which is based in an old mill building, was engulfed by flames.

Firefighters spent hours at the scene and stopped the blaze from spreading to neighbouring businesses - a soap manufacturer and Porsche-part car supplies - which are also based in the property.

Watch commander Tony Burke, of Ramsbottom fire station, said: "We could see flames coming through the roof of the building as soon as we turned-out. The cause of the fire is under investigation."