A former cinema which was gutted in a blaze last night is now due to be pulled down tomorrow.

At the inferno’s height, 60 firefighters were tackling the flames which led to the collapse of the 1930s building’s floors.

Today, firefighters were on stand-by as Bradford Council officers and demolishers worked to make the Shipley building safe. It was due to be pulled down this morning, but has been delayed.

Station commander for Bingley Fire Station Andy Clayton said the building was full of flammable items such as old furniture and film reels.

But he said the fire could have been much worse had it not been for the quick response of the public and firefighters.

“The building has three floors and we were concerned about it, but thanks to the public ringing in early we were able to get there early and do a good stop,” he added.

Mr Clayton said the fire was under control within two hours, but firefighters stayed to damp down and he left at about 3am on Friday morning.

He said the cause of the fire was being investigated by the fire service and police.

“Buildings which have been shut up for about 10 years don’t just catch fire by themselves,” he said.

Around 300 people gathered to watch fire crews tackle the blaze.