SPORTS equipment valued at over £3,000 has been damaged in a fire which was started deliberately at Berry Hill rugby club.

The blaze destroyed a range of items used by the club's junior section. Tables and chairs used for social events in the clubhouse were also damaged.

The fire was in a shipping container and broke out in the early evening of last Thursday. Firemen from Coleford quickly brought the blaze under control.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately and the club has offered a financial reward for information leading to a conviction. Police can be contacted by telephone on 101 quoting incident 277 of December 29. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.

Club spokesman Jamie Elsmore described the blaze as "devastating."

"We have around 160 youngsters who play rugby here and there is strong junior committee. This is a community club and almost every family has a link here. It is sad and disappointing that someone should do something as silly as this," he said.

He said it was the second case of arson at the club in five years.

Berry Hill, he said, were grateful for an offer of help from Drybrook RFC. "They have offered equipment for the junior section until we are able to replace that which has been destroyed. We very much appreciate that and the many other offers of help we have received," he said.