DAMAGE costing tens of thousands of pounds was caused when fire swept Todmorden Cricket Club pavilion yesterday.

Flames were shooting out of windows and a doorway and licking the roof of the single storey wooden structure at Centre Vale when firefighters arrived. Club members helped the fire crews by laying the water line 300 yards across the ground from the main road hydrant .

The fire was quickly brought under control, but the kitchen was gutted and there was extensive damage to the club's main function room.

It was hoped to keep the main bar lounge in operation, said club officials.

Club treasurer John Vickers said talks were taking place with the insurers to get the pavilion back into full use in some form as soon as possible.

It was business as usual at the 150-year-old cricket club just hours after the near-disaster.

The second eleven Lancashire League match against Haslingden went ahead despite being held up by rain.

"We have had floods, fires, tempests, the lot in our time and we have weathered the lot," added Mr Vickers.

Fire sub-officer Ian Stuttard said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation and paid tribute to the prompt efforts of club members.

"Their work was vital in ensuring we had the water to tackle the fire promptly," he said.

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