ARSONISTS who set fire to a cricket pavilion on the eve of the new season caused at least £150,000 worth of damage and have put the ground out of action.

Fire broke out in the pavilion at Linden Park Cricket Club, Fir Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, just before 4am on Good Friday.

About 20 firefighters from Kent Fire and Rescue Service battled to put out the blaze, but damage was caused to about 50 per cent of the building, and much of the groundskeeping machinery inside was destroyed.

The loss of the pavilion and the machinery meant the club cancelled its first match of the season, which was due to be played on Saturday (April 15) against Bexhill.

John Harvey, captain of the first team and groundsman, said he had been woken in the middle of the night to be told of the fire.

"Pretty much everything of any value has gone up: £40,000 to £50,000 worth of machinery - mowers, rollers, specialist grounds maintenance equipment," said Mr Harvey.

"A good half of the pavilion is gutted and inside it’s all filthy and wet, and there’s water pouring through the roof.

"The structure is 50 per cent gone. It’s the day before the start of the season. If we play cricket in this ground in the next few months I will be surprised. It’s off for the forseeable future."

Mr Harvey said the club had been targeted by firebugs before. Kent Police confirmed they were investigating the cause of the blaze.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 (if possible quoting reference 4737) or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.