FIRE-raisers tried to torch Lancaster's landmark Ashton Memorial in the early hours of Tuesday and bosses are stepping up security as a result.

The arsonists punched a hole in a window of the Williamson Park folly and then used an aerosol can and matches or a cigarette lighter to start a blaze.

Luckily the flames failed to spread from a curtain but the whole building was smoke logged.

"The damage is not that bad but it is traumatic because there is still the cleaning up and repair work to carry out," says manager Elaine Charlton, pictured.

"It is distressing to think that someone would cause wilful damage. Now we will have to step up security around the park and that costs money which could be better spent elsewhere.

She goes on: "There is very little damage but the building smells of smoke and it is fortunate that we have no weddings booked for this weekend.

"We are trying to ventilate the building and operate as normal. The park and memorial are open."

The memorial stages a puppet theatre production of the Emperor and the Nightingale on Friday week and says it will go ahead.

Anyone with information about the arson is asked to call police at Lancaster on 01524-63333 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.