Dawlish News

Police are hunting arsonists who burned down a South Devon football club's grandstand causing tens of thousands of pounds damage. The structure at the Dawlish Town AFC in Sandy Lane was deliberately set alight in the early hours of yesterday. Dozens of firemen with four appliances fought the flames, but were unable to save the wooden grandstand from being totally destroyed. A refreshment kiosk next to it was also badly damaged. Officials at the club, which was relegated from the premier division to the first division of the Screwfix Direct Western League last season, said it was another blow they could do without, but the setback would not interfere with preparations for the first game of the new season next week. "We have been kicked in the teeth enough lately, and could have done without this," said Dave Fenner, director of football. "But we will come through it and, hopefully, a new stand will rise from the ashes." Station Officer Ian Radford of the Teignmouth service, said residents living near the ground were woken by the sound of the fire at about 4am, and over 50 people rang the fire service to report it.