THE community is rallying around Northwich Rugby Club after its much-loved clubhouse went up in flames.

Yesterday, October 26, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Moss Lane where crews found the club’s historic clubhouse on fire – believed to have been started deliberately.

A Go Fund Me page has since been set up to raise funds to repair and rebuild what has become a community hub in recent years.

Eddy Naylor from Northwich RUFC said the club was waiting for more news on the severity of the damage, but club members were staying hopeful.

Northwich Guardian: Debris from the fireDebris from the fire (Image: Supplied)

“We've got to go with the view that it's gone,” he said.

“But that glimmer of hope that we might be able to save it is what's keeping everyone going.”

Eddy said over the last few years, the building had become a community hub for various events in the area, bringing people together and giving them a safe space.

He added: “It's just a massive loss and we're not saying it's gone forever, but this is where we need the help from everyone, big or small, to donate whatever they can.”

Dave Johnson from the club was first contacted to say there were suspicions a Northwich RUFC building was on fire yesterday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they attended at 3.50pm and firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

Police were asked to attend, along with a fire investigation officer, as it was believed the fire in the building - measuring approximately 20 metres by five metres - was started deliberately.

Northwich Guardian: Firefighters at the sceneFirefighters at the scene (Image: Supplied)

Eddy said: “The fire service first thought it was a disused building but sadly it's far from that, it's a community space.

“We went down and saw the historical achievements and the history of the building engulfed in flames - all the trophies and shields and team photographs in there.

“But it won't dampen the spirits of the people here.

“You would think they would be heartbroken, which they are, but they all want to rise again from it.”

Northwich RUFC is incredibly grateful for the generosity of the public so far, with more than £5,000 raised in under 24 hours.

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/f/northwich-rufc-rebuild-and-reconnect.