Manager Nita Bowdler said she was terrified by the blast

Residents were settling down to watch Richard and Judy on Channel Four when the bolt hit a chimney at Beech House in Heywood, Greater Manchester.

The chimney collapsed and electricity supplies were cut, forcing 26 people out of their rooms on Thursday night.

Nita Bowdler, line manager at the home, said: "It was just as if a bomb was going off... I was terrified."

Firefighters were called to the home at about 1700 BST, shortly after an outbreak of heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

They arrived to find just a stump where the chimney had once stood, with bricks littering the car park below.

Watch commander John Wilkinson, of Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "When we arrived here they were quite calm and the staff were moving the residents.

"Most of the rubble fell on a car park at the back of the building smashing a car's window.

We should never under-estimate the power of natural forces Esther Parkes, 92, resident

"The lightning has also hit the electricity cable and damaged eight television sets, and it has also blown a hole in one of the water pipes."

A building inspector was called to inspect the damage while firefighters attempted to make it safe.

Resident Esther Parkes, 92, said: "I have never heard anything so loud.

"The slates kept falling past my bedroom window, but I can't really say I was frightened.