THE stunned owner of a blaze-hit opticians has blamed the summer solstice for a fire that destroyed a shop display today.

The blaze at Eye Site, in the Briercliffe Shopping Centre, broke out at about 6am as the sun's rays were directed through a magnifying mirror, which was on a display cabinet, on to a chair.

Crew from Burnley attended the building in Briercliffe Road, which was heavily smoke logged.

Owner David Hurst, 42, said the fire service had ruled out any foul play.

He said: "The fire service believe the fire was started by the summer solstice.

"It is very unusual and I have never heard of anything like this. When they told me I didn't know what to think of it at first, I almost didn't believe it. I am a bit shocked, it is not something you really expect.

"The Druids must really have it in for us.

"The fire seems to have been restricted but the heat has caused a lot of damage.

"I would imagine we would be closed for a week or two while we put it all back together.

"I don't know how much it is going to cost but it will probably cost thousands." Station Officer Chris Hollis said when the fire service investigated the cause of the fire, it was discovered the magnifying mirror was responsible.

He said: "It is very unusual circumstances.

"The sun came up at about 4am and the heat from the magnifying glass was concentrated on a foam chair, which ignited."