Fundraiser for arson-hit Wednesfield Aces

A fundraising campaign was being launched today to help Wednesfield Aces Cycle Speedway Club, which was left devastated by a cruel arson attack.

The club, one of the most decorated in Britain, was targeted at about 5am yesterday with flames sweeping through an office, dining area and kitchen.

But the community in Wednesfield has rallied round the 50-year-old institution with more than 100 people coming forward yesterday to help with the clean-up.

And today, even more are expected to turn up for a hastily arranged fundraising event where people will be encouraged to donate a pound or more each.

Some of the club's young riders will also be showing off their skills, including 16-year-old Ricki Johnson, who recently won the Junior Individual European Championship.

Glyn Rowley, the club's communications officer, said it was important that the clean-up was quick as the club is due to be filmed by Sky television in the next few weeks.

He said: "That's on the back of all the recent success in British cycling. They have been to film our league meets before and are coming to do it again so we need the club to be looking its best.

"Hopefully, all the success in the Olympics will bring more attention to what we do and our fundraising." Jim Varnish, father of Olympic cyclist Jess Varnish, and the 1985 Cycle Speedway World Champion is among the clubs illustrious previous members.

Mr Rowley said the fire destroyed many memories, burning pennants and photographs. But he said that yesterday's clean-up by members of the local community had already gone some way towards fixing the site. He said: "We've stripped it back to the shell of the building."

Police in Wolverhampton are investigating the blaze which they say is suspicious.

Deb Edmonds, spokeswoman for the force, said: "West Midlands Fire Service alerted police to the blaze at Wednesfield Aces on Ashmore Park at 5.12am. A fire in a storage building at the Griffiths Drive site is believed to have been started deliberately, following initial enquiries at the scene."

Inspector Becky Barnsley, neighbourhood manager for Wednesfield, said: "We have launched an investigation into the fire, which has caused significant damage to Wednesfield Aces' club.

"The fire is being treated as arson and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information to help our enquiries. If you saw anyone acting suspiciously around the area in the early hours, please contact police at your earliest convenience."

The club will be holding its fundraising event at the site at 4.30pm today.