STAR readers have hailed firefighters who spent more than 10 hours tackling an inferno that broke out in Earlestown yesterday.

More than 20 fire crews, from Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, were called to deal with the major fire at a plastic recycling plant.

The blaze at Sankey Valley Industrial Estate caused smoke to billow into the sky, which could be seen far and wide as the fire continued.

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After the main fire was put out at 10.30pm, crews stayed overnight to continue hot spotting and damping down.

Crews eventually left the scene at 1.29pm today after more than 24 hours.

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Pic: Tyler Simms

Star readers on social media were quick to commend the efforts of firefighters in dealing with the massive blaze.

Leigh Dave TTay said: "Well done to our fire service, at least nobody was hurt"

Sam BeeBee added: "Well done to our services xxx"

Elaine Jones wrote: "Amazing bravery from our fire service and all others involved! Hope no one was hurt. Stay safe everyone x"

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And Carol Walters said: "Absolutely amazing job, thank you to each and every one concerned, you all went above and beyond the call of duty"

Carol Middlehurst added: "Well done to all the fire fighters you are all true heroes.xx"

Meanwhile, J Penno Pennington said: "So last week the clap for the nhs was somewhat subdued so this week ie today (Thursday) at 8pm let's get back out there and do a good clap for nhs but also for The firefighters who did an amazing job in horrendous conditions today. I've done firefighting in the army and wow the heat of large fires is insane".

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The aftermath