TWO workers cutting up a fuel storage tank had a lucky escape when it exploded.

The tank containing kerosene was in the basement of Carnforth's Salvation Army base.

Lieutenant Brenda Downey, of the Salvation Army, says the central heating in the building was changed from oil to gas last year and the men were cutting up the old oil tank.

"It just went up on them. They had taken all the precautions and I'm not sure why it happened," she says.

Both of the workers involved in the fire last Friday suffered from the effects of heat and smoke inhalation but refused hospital treatment.

Fire fighters from Carnforth were called by staff at nearby Mayoh Press, who raised the alarm. Fire crews spent about two hours at the scene to control the blaze.

Lt Downey says: "There is a lot of smoke damage but a fire door stopped damage coming through to the worship hall."

Services on Sunday and Monday had to be held in the community hall but Lt Downey says they should be back to normal within the next week.