Members of a north-east curling club that was destroyed in a fire have launched a huge fundraising drive to raise it from the ashes.
Vale of Alford Curling Club’s clubhouse, which contained 140 years of precious photographs, trophies and historic mementos, completely burned down in the blaze.
Equipment, including 40 sets of curling stones – estimated to be worth between £40,000 and £50,000 – were also lost in the disaster, which happened overnight on July 11.
Now the club has launched an online drive for £21,000 to rebuild the clubhouse at Murray Park once more.
Last night, committee member Graham Scott said hopes were high that the club could even be curling again by the winter.
He said: “It was heartbreaking to see all those irreplaceable granite stones and all the memorabilia destroyed.
“But we’ve decided as a club that we will do all we can to rebuild the hut.
“We’ve already had some local fundraising done so it would be great to get even more in online.
“Luckily we have now got eight pairs of stones again so we hope to be back curling, weather permitting, this winter.”
Alongside the fundraising, the club is also asking for anyone with old pictures or memorabilia to get in touch.
Alford councillor Moira Ingleby threw her support behind the fundraising drive last night, and said the club was an important asset for the village.
“I absolutely welcome this,” she said.
“It was very disappointing when it burned down but its great to see that the club are looking to rebuild so quickly.
“Any community asset is important and this club is especially important for those who use it.
“I very much support this community effort.”
Police previously said the fire could have been set deliberately, and last night a spokesman said inquiries were continuing.
A dog walker raised the alarm at about 8am on July 12, and club ice maker Willie Milne and president Andy Travis raced down to see if anything could be saved.
However, the wooden hut was completely destroyed.
To donate to the group’s campaign, visit www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Alford-Curling-Club