Devastated community centre bosses have hit out after young firebugs torched and wrecked thousands of pounds worth of play equipment.

The blaze caused so much damage the purpose-built under-fives play area behind Shipley's Wrose Community Centre has had to be pulled down.

Linda Holmes, who runs the Wrose Rascals playgroup at the centre, said youngsters would be devastated by the loss of the play area whose centrepiece featured a wooden toddlers' den and castle with slides.

She said: "As from September when they come back they won't have an outside play area.

"We have 20 children per session with seven sessions a week and we also have children with special needs.

"It was also available for general use by children from the village and they all really enjoyed playing on it. They're going to be so upset when they find out it's gone and there's nothing left for them.

"The playgroup can't afford to rebuild it and although we hope to get it replaced on the insurance that's going to take some time.''

Mrs Holmes said she had called the emergency services after spotting two boys setting fire to the play area before running off last Friday night.

"We've had vandalism before but nothing to this extent. I think it's disgusting, especially as they were only aged about nine and 12.

"I think they set out to destroy the play area, I don't know why, and think it's a terrible thing to have done. Everyone's devastated and very angry about it,'' she added.

Sergeant Steve Scott, of Eccleshill police's community safety office, said the blaze was being treated as arson and being investigated by police.