HUNDREDS of children learning to fish have been left devastated by a fire which destroyed their equipment.

Arsonists caused damage worth £20,000 when they set light to two cabins at Starmount Lodges, in Browns Road, Bradley Fold.

One of the cabins was used as a classroom by Radcliffe Angling Society (RAS) to teach fishing to around 300 children each year.

The other cabin contained equipment worth thousands of pounds, including poles, nets and clothing.

Trophies which were to be awarded to the youngsters were also in the cabin.

Shaun Miller, RAS secretary, said: “We are devastated. It has taken us eight years to build everything up and in one fell swoop, it has been destroyed by fire.

“The coaching is good for the children, because it teaches them about angling and the countryside. They were really upset about losing their equipment.”

The club, which was founded in 1907, feared it would have to scrap its junior coaching sessions because of the fire last month.

But so far they have managed to keep going by borrowing equipment from the Environment Agency.

Members have also used their own money to buy equipment and hope to receive grants to boost their supplies.

Mr Miller, aged 49, said: “Without the Environment Agency’s help, we would have had to stop the coaching. They have really helped us.

“We are limping along now and doing the best we can. It is the enthusiasm and determination of everyone in the club that is keeping us going.”

Police have launched an investigation into the fire but no arrests have yet been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.