SIX fire engines were needed to tackle a large fire in Widnes.

The fire broke out around 4.45pm on Thursday, at the back of Widnes Rugby Union club, Heath Road in Widnes, near to the trainline.

The St Marie's building was 'well alight' within minutes although it took around two hours to get the flames under control.

The road was closed at the junction with Prescott Road while the railway line between Widnes and Hough Green was heavily affected by smoke.

Firefighters from Widnes, Runcorn, Warrington and Stockton Heath were on site as flames have broken through the roof.

Firefighters say the flames were controlled by around 6.30pm although crews stayed throughout the night to dampen down the area.

Police and the fire service will start their investigations into what caused the fire today, Friday.