A FIRE which destroyed the Sheppey Miniature Engineering and Modelling Society's clubhouse in Sheerness earlier this month is now being treated as arson.

The blaze at Barton's Point Coastal Park in the early hours of May 9 caused damage estimated at £5,000 to the wooden building.

It stood beside the track of the miniature railway and was used to store paperwork, old magazines, record files and trophies. No valuable running equipment was stored in the building.

Firefighters used water from the nearby lake to help tackle the fire but were unable to save the small building.

Ralph Turner, society secretary, said: "This is a bitter blow to the society but I think we will bounce back stronger than ever."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Swale Police on 01795 477055.