A THATCHED roof had to be removed from a property in Whitegate last night, after a fire took hold.

Firefighters from Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich arrived in Dalefords Lane around 9.30pm last night, Tuesday, finding the roof ablaze.

Staying at the scene overnight, crews tackled the fire and removed the thatch while conducting regular inspections for further hotspots.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Hose reel jets from the ground and from an aerial appliance have been used, along with stack drags to clear the thatch.

"Dalefords Lane was closed while the incident was dealt with, reopening earlier this morning.

"Firefighters are still at the scene."