A FUNDRAISING campaign launched after a Hampshire sports club was hit by an arson attack looks set to smash its £20,000 target.

Hundreds of people have donated a total of £18,630 following a devastating fire at Paultons Cricket Club in Whitemoor Lane, Ower, on January 27.

The English Cricket Board (ECB) has also vowed to support the club.

A spokesperson said: "The ECB has been liaising with Paultons Cricket Club and Hampshire Cricket Board in relation to the arson attack.

"We will continue to work with them and discuss the support they require as they seek to rebuild."

As reported in the Daily Echo, a van was driven on to the pitch and set ablaze beside the 65-year-old pavilion.

Crews from four fire stations - Redbridge, Romsey, St Mary’s and Eastleigh - arrived to find half the building engulfed in flames. The blaze destroyed a changing area and a room with a pool table.

A total of 398 people have donated to a GoFundMe page set up by Ryan Collingwood, who plays for the club.

A statement on the page says: "We all know that a long road is ahead.

"We don’t have money spare to supplement the work that will be covered by our insurance, so we’re looking for help from the local community to help us get back up and running as soon as possible.

"Any and all donations will be massively appreciated."

One of the messages of support left on the page says: "We wish you all the luck in getting this important part of the local community back on its feet."

Another adds: "It's a wonderful, welcoming club and I know the local and cricketing communities will rally round."

Mr Collingwood said the response to the fundraising campaign was "way beyond what we thought possible".

He added: "I can’t say thank you enough to everyone who has sent messages of support. They really have helped ease some of the pain."

A police spokesman confirmed the blaze was being treated as arson, adding that enquiries were ongoing.