MEMBERS of a fire- ravaged working men's club worked throughout the weekend to try to repair the damage.

The blaze in the games room at the Pioneer WMC on Tanpits Lane, Church, is believed to been started by a cigarette thrown into a waste bin.

Committee member Graham McLester said it was hoped the club could reopen by Saturday.

He added: "We are relieved that no-one was hurt and that someone spotted the fire before it could get out of hand.

"I believe a woman in the school at the rear of the club raised the alarm."

The blaze started before the club was due to open at 6.30pm on Friday.

Accrington firefighters arrived to find smoke billowing out of the building.

The fire caused severe damage to the games room, smoke damage to the concert room and the upper floor.

Mr McLester added: "The games room contained a snooker table and card table which have both been pretty badly damaged.

"Unfortunately, the games room is the hub of a club like this.

"We have hundreds of members who will have to find somewhere else to drink for the next week. But we hope to be open again by next weekend."

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