OWNERS of a four storey mill which was reduced to rubble during a blaze today revealed the landmark building was not insured.

Nearly 100 firefighters from across the county fought the fire which ripped through Vale Rock Mill, Johnson New Road, Hoddlesden, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Bill Keen, managing director of Oldham based Units To Let Northern Ltd, jointly owns the converted mill with his brother David.

Mr Keen said: "Unfortunately the building wasn't insured and the fire has been a big loss for us.

"We have been to assess the damage and think we can salvage two sheds but the rest of the site will have to be cleared.

"The only other consolation is that we have 20 other properties in Lancashire and Yorkshire."

Nelson-based demolition firm Rodney Sumners has already been called in to clear the site.

Hoddlesden Village Garage body shop, steel fabricators Cooper-Rigg Ltd and office furniture manufacturers Evertaut all rented sections of the building and have also been left counting the cost.

Firefighters are working with police, forensic scientists and police to determine the cause of the fire.

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