Intruders are believed to have started a fire which totally gutted a popular Stafford club, causing tens of thousands of pounds damage.

Gaming machines in the Burton Manor Sports Association bar had been tampered with before the blaze began on Saturday morning.

It is believed the fire started in a seating area.

Police spokeswoman Emma Stanley confirmed police were treating the incident as arson. It is understood that other facilities which form the Burton Manor Sports Centre, on the Stafford Grammar School site, were not affected.

Club chairman Chris Fields promised: “The Phoenix will rise from the ashes. This club doesn’t die that easily.”

Mr Fields said: “I feel for the 500 members who now have no bar. It was a marvellous club and everybody thoroughly enjoyed using it.”

Mr Fields said they had planned to have an impromptu party on New Year’s Eve.

Other events include curry nights on January 16 and 24.