Picturesque cricket clubhouse destroyed by fire

The wooden clubhouse has been completely destroyed by the fire

Members of a Devon cricket club are "devasted' and "heartbroken" after a fire destroyed their clubhouse.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the blaze at Heathcoat Cricket Club's wooden cricket Pavillion near Tiverton at 05:22 BST, and found the building fully engulfed by flames.

Club members said the building - situated in the grounds of the National Trust's Knightshayes Court - had been completely destroyed.

The fire service said the cause of the blaze was not yet known.

The fire forced staff to temporarily close parts of the Knightshayes estate to visitors

Chris Salter, one of the team captains at the club, told BBC Radio Devon he was "devastated" to hear what had happened.

"I woke up at 06:30 to the news.

"I haven't seen it - I'm not sure if I want to go and see it," he said.

"Everyone who's part of the club absolutely loves it.

"It's such a community hub for all of us, and to go and see it at this stage - I don't think I'm quite ready yet."

Devon Cricket Foundation Managing Director, Matt Theedom, said: "Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone associated with Heathcoat Cricket Club.

"Having supported the club and witnessed the hard work, blood sweat and tears that went into building the clubhouse, it’s heartbreaking to see.

"I have no doubt that the Devon Cricket community will rally around to support Heathcoat and its members at this distressing time."

The club house was built in 2013

A National Trust spokesperson confirmed Knightshayes Court had now reopened to visitors, but the parkland car park remained closed.

They added the fire was currently being investigated by the police.

Heathcoat cricket club is one of the largest cricket clubs in Devon, following a merger with Sampford Peverell and Tiverton Cricket club last year.

The cricket clubhouse was built in 2013 in collaboration with the National Trust.