Blaze destroys cricket pavilion

The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday

A Black Country cricket pavilion and memorabilia from the 19th Century have been destroyed in a fire.

Photos dating back to 1858, trophies, ceremonial benches and the stumps and bails were destroyed in the blaze at Lye Cricket Club, near Stourbridge.

Firefighters were called in the early hours of Friday morning after a neighbour was woken by the sound of the asbestos roof exploding.

The club is due to celebrate it 150th anniversary next year.

Club barman Simon Crocket said: "We're absolutely devastated. We've got a big weekend coming up with all the cricket going on and everybody's absolutely gutted.

"We can salvage nothing. It's going to take a while to rebuild."

The cause of the fire is being investigated.