A CARE home is counting the cost after 50 square metres of aluminium roofing was ripped from the premises by strong winds.

Fire crews were called to Marsden Heights Residential, Kings Causeway, Brierfield, at 6pm on Monday after staff heard a huge bang and discovered that their roof had been blown off.

The metal corrugated roof was flipped 180 degrees into a neighbouring roof but was still attached to the care home and was being propped up by a small tree.

Firefighters cut up the roof which is estimated to weigh about a tonne, and removed it from the scene.

The roof was originally put on to withstand the high winds that occur frequently in the exposed area near the care home.

It will be replaced in the next few day and is estimated the work will cost thousands of pounds.

John Fox, owner of the care home said:" A senior care worker was on her break when she heard a tremendous bang and came to alert us. We are further away from the roof and couldn't hear it.

"Little disruption was caused to the residents who were in the lounge watching TV at the time and we have tried to sort it out quickly as not to worry them.

"When we called the fire brigade they asked me if I could take the roof off but there was no way I could remove it on my own.

"It took the fire brigade about an hour to remove the roof and cut it down while we were told not to leave the building for safety reasons.

"Only one of the residents' room is near the roof because of the strange shape of the building, so luckily we have not had to leave the building.

"I guess it's just one of those things but I'll be glad when the roof is back on and secure. "