A CHARITY could be hit with a four-figure bill after arsonists set alight an old cedar tree.

The wreckers built a fire in the base of the tree - which was planted at the turn of the last century by the then vicar of the parish, Canon Estridge.

Now, secretary of the Woodland Park Community Group, Andrew Chessire, says the tree will probably have to be felled.

He said: "We don't know how much it will cost, but it could run into four figures. We could spend the money on better things than this."

The tree in Bursledon, is in woodland bounded on the east by properties in Hungerford and Kew Lane and to the west by the stream leading to Badnam Creek and the Hamble, The land was purchased by the community group with the help of a number of organisations.

Eastleigh Council, local housing associations, Esso and local donations all helped in the bid to buy the woodland in an effort to preserve it.

It was officially opened by Eastleigh mayor Councillor Glynn Davies-Dear, watched by local broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham, a year ago.

Mr Chessire said he was sad and angry about the blaze at the four-acre community wood that had to be dealt with by Hampshire firefighters.

"To some extent, we have to live with these sorts of problems. We have had vandalism on the two footbridges we built across the stream which we found a bit sad and, recently, there has been a spate of tree damage with medium-sized trees felled to block footpaths."

He added: "The cedar had been growing for a hundred years and all it took was a couple of kids with a box of matches to finish it off. I am saddened and angry."