Contractors renovating the fire ravaged former Emmanuel Church Manse have given a fascinating insight into what they have uncovered during their work.

Hawthorn Estates of Tarleton have been at the Derby St. property for the last fortnight as work continues to restore it into a habitable state.

One of the contractors revealed on Friday how they had found two large tents in the basement of the house where it's believed a large number of plants were grown.

The fire started there but the workman said that incredibly the main staircase was not badly damaged in the blaze.

Holy smoke? (qlocal.co.uk)

The property was subject to a detailed search by police officers back in June although the tenant insisted he was growing the plants to harvest medicinal oil for his own use and not on a commercial scale.

As yet, it's thought no charges have been brought by the force against the tenant.