A POPULAR Preston community centre was badly damaged by arsonists, leaving community groups without a meeting place.

Firefighters were called to Tanterton Community Centre, Kidsgrove, Ingol, on Saturday, at 1.30am, after a suspicious blaze started in the roof.

The fire destroyed the kitchen and the ground floor of the building was damaged.

Gas company Transco attended the scene to deal with a gas leak which police believe was started deliberately after an outside pipe had been tampered with.

Now community group leaders are pulling together to keep local activities up and running.

Allan Clinch, community development worker at Ingol and Tanterton Action Group (INTAG), said: "We will be meeting all the groups this week and drafting individual letters to the council to ask them to rebuild it.

"It is a vital part of our community and we cannot be without it."

Inspector Dave Ashton, of Lea police, said: "It has destroyed a lot of good work that has been done. We are working flat out to find out who's done this."

A council spokesman said: "The building could take a significant amount of time to repair and cost thousands of pounds. We're relieved that we haven't lost the whole centre."

Anyone requiring information about the community centre should call 203456. To help police with their inquiries call 209441.