A FIRE which destroyed a junior football club in Whitefield is not being treated as arson.

Three fire crews were called to the blaze at A.F.C. Dobbies Sports Junior Football Club at the Stand Memorial Ground in Ringley Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Firefighters say the club's main building was 'totally destroyed' by the blaze.

The building was empty at the time and no one was hurt.

However, Greater Manchester Police say the fire is not believed to have been started deliberately.

The fire, which was approximately 10 metres by 40 metres in size, was first spotted by a police helicopter pilot flying over the area.

Crews from Whitefield, Farnworth and Broughton were then deployed to the ground and club, which includes showers, changing rooms and a bar area.

Fire crews remained at the site yesterday while the electricity board isolated the power.

NPAS Barton tweeted: "03:50 Eagle eyed pilot spots developing fire as overfly Whitefield. Fire location identified, pavilion on small football pitch close to Stand golf course. Request assistance of @manchesterfire."