NOT even a chimney fire could stop football fans in a Tarporley pub from watching the big game last night.

The Foresters Arms on High Street was evacuated at around 8.50pm on Thursday (January 24) while firefighters dealt with the situation.

But locals were able to crowd into the pub garden where landlord Stuart Hulse had set up a TV for them to watch.

Chelsea ended up beating Tottenham on penalties in a nail-biting EFL Cup semi-final.

Mr Hulse told The Standard: "It was just one of those things I'm afraid. We had to evacuate for about 15 minutes so everyone was watching the game outside but they were soon allowed back in.

"There was no damage and we're open for business as usual."

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews used chimney rods to try and extinguish the fire, but had to tackle it from the chimney using a roof ladder.

"Once the fire was extinguished they used a thermal imaging camera to check the first floor and loft space for hotspots."