VANDALS broke into and set fire to a bowling green club house last night.

Three fire engines were sent to Doe Hey Bowling Green Club after a neighbour alerted them to the blaze.

Watch manager Paul Harrison said: "It's been broken into, someone had forced entry and various bits of furniture had been set on fire in the club house."

The fire service was called at around 4.45am and crews from Farnworth and Atherton attended to contain the blaze in Doe Hey Park, off Cawdor Avenue.

Mr Harrison said: "We managed to contain it but there was quite a lot of substantial damage to the club house.

"There was quite heavy smoke damage and it's going to need quite a lot of work to sort it out.

"It was shame really, it looked like a well kept club and I imagine they will get down there this morning and be quite upset. It's a real shame.

"But, it could have been worse, we did contain it, they could have lost the whole building."

The vandals chisled away at the locks and hinges to gain entry to the premises. 

Carol Crawley, who lives nearby in Cawdor Avenue, said: "It's a well used club. It's used winter and summer. 

"In winter they come and play dominos and socialise, it's a nice place to come. They are a nice little group, they will be devastated."

The fire service have notified police of the incident.

A spokeswoman for Bolton Council, said: "We have secured the building to make it safe and are currently assessing the damage.
"We have advised members of Doe Hey Bowling Club they will not be able to use the building until further notice.”