THE A556 at Mere was closed last night (Thursday) as fire crews tackled a major lorry fire.

Fire engines from Lymm, Stockton Heath and Winsford were called to the incident at 7.37pm.

On arrival they found the lorry, which was carrying chocolate, was well alight, and the driver was out of the vehicle and safe.

The road was shut in both directions while crews used two hose reels and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

A digger was brought in to assist by removing the goods from the vehicle to help the firefighting effort.

Crews were at the scene for four and a half hours.