Flames up to 30ft high shot into the sky after arsonists sparked a fire that destroyed a Black Country recycling plant building.

Firefighters had to use a hydraulic platform to battle the blaze NDC Polythene, on Garratt’s Lane Industrial Estate, in Old Hill.

But although the 100ft by 50ft storage unit was reduced to ashes, firefighters and the firm’s owner were relieved that efforts to stop it spreading to the neighbouring main building had been successful.

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Around 50 firefighters from Cradley Heath, Tipton and Oldbury stations were among those called to the scene at around 9pm on Saturday and spent almost two hours extinguishing the blaze.

Cradley Heath Fire Station Watch Commander Simon Towers said they had initially been hampered by a shortage of foam, but that he was proud of his colleagues’ work.

“When we got here the flames were huge and you couldn’t even see the trees behind it,” he said.

“It was very hot and you couldn’t get that close to it. The fire crews had to do about five minutes at a time and then pull back. At the time of our arrival, the flames were impinging on the neighbouring industrial unit.

“The main thing was stopping it spreading to the main building next door, or blowing in the other direction.

“Although we were able to keep it under control, we didn’t have enough foam at first to actually put it out. Fortunately, the lads and lasses have done a grand job.

“I would imagine this is the result of petty vandalism.”

The firm’s owner Paul Cox arrived to see firefighters extinguishing the last traces of the blaze.

He said: “I think the important thing was that the factory itself didn’t go up. The fire service have done a good job.”

He added the business would be open again today, when the clean-up operation would begin.

Anyone with information about those responsible for starting the fire should call police on 0845 113 5000.