'No crumpet shortage' after Warburtons site fire

Warburtons have said there is "no need to worry, you can still get your crumpets" following a huge fire at its largest crumpet producing factory.

Monday's fire at its Burnley site was filmed by Dave Fishwick, founder of the Burnley Savings and Loans credit union who inspired the Bank of Dave films, as he flew nearby in his helicopter.

Warburtons said the blaze, which is now out, was contained to one side of the factory - which was safely evacuated - and an investigation was under way.

The firm, which makes "hot plate" products at the factory, said production in Burnley had been suspended, but it had "upweighted" production of crumpets at its other sites to "keep the shelves full".

According to the company's website, the Burnley site is one of 11 bakeries it runs across the UK.

The firm said it bakes about 124 million crumpets every year across those sites.

Warburtons is the UK's largest family-owned bakery firm and was founded in 1876 in Bolton.

It has become known for its TV adverts featuring film stars such as Morgan Freeman, Olivia Colman, Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said 12 crews tackled the fire, which broke out at about 14:45 BST, on the Billington Road industrial estate.

The blaze sent a plume of smoke hundreds of feet into the air.

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