BY-STANDERS helped save 50 valuable motorbikes from being destroyed as a blaze ravaged several properties in the town centre.

Fire broke out at the Greenhouse Health Club on Sheffield Road just after 10pm on Tuesday and was in danger of spreading to neighbouring Bennetts motorcycles which had machines worth over £200,000 in the showroom.

They were undamaged and one neighbour stored some in his house and another opened up his unit to store the motorcycles which have now been taken to Bennetts head office.

Owner Russ Bennett said: "I thought the fire-fighters were very good. They knew the urgency because I didn't want to watch my shop burn and when I said I needed to get the bikes out they said they could do it.

"Members of the public were waiting outside grabbing bikes as the fire brigade wheeled them out. The flames were about 30 feet high and coming out of the top of the roof next door. I honestly thought it was going to come through but can't believe how undamaged the show room is."

The second floor is heavily smoke and water damaged and water has seeped into the show room which will be shut until damage is repaired but the repair and MOT workshop will be open as usual.

A Chinese take away on the other side of the health club was also affected.