STAFF at an award-winning sports centre have been left devastated after an arson attack ruined its running track.

The culprits, believed to be children or teenagers, set a foam mattress used for pole vaulting alight outside Nunnery Wood Sports Centre yesterday and the fire spread to the running track, causing up to £30,000 damage done to the track.

"We are all gutted. One of the staff was nearly crying last night. We put a lot of work into the centre," said duty manager Anthony Nicklin.

The centre, which received an award earlier this year for being best dual-use sports complex in the county, is used by Worcester Rugby Club, Worcester schools and Worcester Athletic Club among other groups.

Mr Nicklin said Worcester Athletic Club used the track three times a week but would not be able to use part of it after an estimated 50 square metres were damaged.

Heptathlete Denise Lewis and former Olympic gold medallist hockey player Imran Sherwani helped officially open the athletics track in May, 1995.

The brigade received 60 phone calls from worried residents nearby who saw thick black smoke coming from the track at Spetchley Road, Worcester.

One fire engine from Worcester fire station attended the blaze at 5.30pm.

"There were large plumes of smoke," said Leading Firefighter Carl Pearson.

He said children had slid under the mattress, which was on wheeled pallets, and set it on fire.

"It's an arson attack, deliberate ignition," he said.

Police, who have confirmed the attack as arson, want witnesses to come forward.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious before the fire started," said PC Sarah Wells.

"If they did they should contact me on 08457 444888 quoting 167C/280703.