DESPERATE pleas have been made to Alcester businesses and individuals to help stop the final whistle being blown on a town youth organisation.

Organisers of Alcester Athletic Football Club have had to dig into their own pockets to the tune of thousands of pounds after arsonists destroyed a club building.

Costs of hiring the machinery and an articulated lorry to remove parts of the Kinwarton Road building have had to be partly met by the club's treasurer.

Secretary Adrian Dipple said: "The club is looking at a bill for perhaps more than £3,000 and there is not a chance on earth it can afford it - the club is in financial ruin."

And concerns were also expressed about the likely culprits of the blaze, which gutted the building.

Mr Dipple said: "About 250 youngsters from around the area use this club and all we can hope is that not one of them played any part in this dangerous and stupid act.

"All we can wish now is that the people of Alcester rally around the club and prevent the worse happening - it having to shut down forever."

The club has already had an offer of help from Arrow Valley Brass Band and are keen to rally even more support.

Mr Dipple said: "We really are pleading for donations from the town so these youngsters do not have to suffer at the hands of these irresponsible and selfish arsonists."

Anyone wishing to make a donation can call Mr Dipple on 01789 764129 or 07970 148893.