Fireman dealt speedily with a blaze at a Hitchin sports hub last week – but not before it destroyed £1,000 worth of a junior football club’s sports equipment.

The Comet: A fire at Hitchin Cricket Club also destroyed Wymondley FC football gear worth £2kA fire at Hitchin Cricket Club also destroyed Wymondley FC football gear worth £2k (Image: Archant)

But now a generous donor has stumped up the cash needed to replace the ruined kit.

Portacabins close to Hitchin Cricket Club’s clubhouse at Lucas Lane – housing goals, nets flags and training equipment belonging to Wymondley Park FC – were destroyed in the blaze, fuelling fears about the future of the club.

But Letchworth-based construction firm Willmott Dixon has donated the full amount, ensuring the club can continue..

Mick Williamson, managing director of the company’s partnerships arm, said: “Children’s sport is critical for the community so I’m delighted we can help.”

The Comet: A fire at Hitchin Cricket Club also destroyed Wymondley FC football gear worth £2kA fire at Hitchin Cricket Club also destroyed Wymondley FC football gear worth £2k (Image: Archant)

Wymondley Park FC chair Derek Austin added: “It’s fantastic news, allowing us to crack on without worrying about how to pay for replacements.”