Fears century of bowling treasures lost in blaze
BBC/Jim ScottMembers of a bowling club said they were "devastated" after a fire tore through their almost century-old premises in a suspected arson attack.
Usworth Bowling Club House in Washington, near Sunderland, was severely damaged when flames ripped through it just after 16:30 BST on Tuesday.
President of the club, Barrie Bulch, said it was not yet known whether decades-old memorabilia, including historic trophies, had escaped the fire.
He said the attack had happened weeks before the club was due to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Northumbria Police said inquiries into the blaze were ongoing.
"We were stood on this green last night and people were in tears to see the club go up in smoke," Bulch said.
"It's absolutely devasating, the amount of work members have put in in the last 12 months to get ready for our 100th anniversary.
"All our trophies are in there, all our heritage is in there - so hopefully they can be saved."
Paul DonaghyThe club house, which has been gradually updated over the years, was originally built in the 1920s.
Paul Donaghy, Reform's Washington North councillor, said: "People who have grown up around here know what this building means and the outrage was evident to see.
"The club will have everything we can possibly give them to put this right, and hopefully the people responsible will be held to account."
BBC/Jim Scott