A CANAL boat caught fire near Acton Bridge this morning, Wednesday.

Firefighters from Runcorn were sent to the Trent and Mersey Canal, near to Warrington Road, at 10.48am.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Firefighters were called to a canal boat which was well alight on the canal near Acton Bridge, Warrington Road.

"All occupants were accounted for.

"Crews used two hose reels, but part way through the boat broke from its moorings and began to travel along the canal.

"Firefighters managed to secure the boat with rope and continued to fight the fire.

"They then damped down the fire to stop it from reigniting."