VIDEO and PICTURES: Thieves ransack and raze Black Country youth camp
Thieves ransacked a youth organisation's base then burned it to the ground – destroying decades of memories in the process.
Distraught leaders of High Acres Woodcraft Folk, based near Kinver, have now urged the culprits to hand themselves in to police.
The base is used by youngsters from Kingswinford, Stourbridge and beyond, and has stood for nearly 50 years.
Heartbroken Bob Sandall, aged 75, founded the group 47 years ago and built the wooden hut with his own hands.
The structure was razed to the ground by the blaze in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Leaders say it could now cost up to £10,000 to replace the hut and get it back up and running.
Mr Sandall, a retired electrician, said: "I'm still shaking from what happened. I've been involved with that camp site for more than 40 years, we've looked after it and kept it in really good order.
"Thousands of children during those years have camped there.
"But now it's just a heap of rubbish. I can't understand why this has happened."
Mr Sandall said he has been involved with the Woodcraft Folk since he was 12 – first as a member and then as a group leader.
He said: "Over the years the community has worked together – we get on well with dog walkers and ramblers who pass through.
"We've always tried to be as friendly as possible to everyone, but then this happens. I just can't believe it."
The site where the hut stands is just off Compton Road near Vale Head Farm. It is owned by the National Trust and Mr Sandall said he has always been a proud custodian of the land.
However, unfortunately the hut was not insured, due to its remote location.
Mr Sandall's son Robert is one of the volunteer leaders of the Woodcraft Folk, a similar organisation to Scouts who organise overnight camping stays and other activities for youngsters.
He said: "Thousands of kids have enjoyed this site in the last 40-odd years and now the people who did this have deprived the next couple of generations from enjoying it. We will get back and rebuild it."
A Staffs Fire Service spokeswoman said an investigation had been carried out and firefighters said they believed it had been started deliberately.
To donate to High Acres Woodcraft Folk go to www.gofundme.com/woodcraftfolk.
