An archery club has vowed to carry on despite suffering a suspected arson attack which cost them £2,500 in damage.

Wherry Archers, which is based in Filby, saw one of its storage sheds go up in flames on the night of Thursday, January 12.

The wooden shed, on the village playing field, had contained archery equipment including two targets, each costing £600, as well as metal detectors.

Barry Hales, the club chairman, said: "It's something we didn't need."

He said that last year the club used up most of its budget to buy a shipping container for storing equipment.

"It's left us annoyed, to say the least," he added.

"It hasn't stopped the club carrying one, but it's an extra large expense we now need to find the money for."

Eastern Daily Press: An oak tree estimated to be more than 200-years-old was damaged in a fire in Filby.An oak tree estimated to be more than 200-years-old was damaged in a fire in Filby. (Image: Barry Hales)

While the club vows to fight on, there are fears the village near Great Yarmouth could lose an oak tree estimated to be more than 200-years-old that also suffered damage in the fire.

The tree, which stands between the two sheds, was "well scorched" in the blaze, according to local borough councillor and playing field chairman Adrian Thompson.

He said: "That can't be replaced. No-one can put that right. Luckily the fire brigade was there in good time."

The incident was "a surprise in this part of the world", he said.

"We would like to know if possible what happened. There's an element of childish behaviour involved but that was a step too far.

"It's unacceptable," he added.

Eastern Daily Press: A shed that contained archery equipment worth £2,500 was destroyed in a suspected arson in Filby, near Great Yarmouth.A shed that contained archery equipment worth £2,500 was destroyed in a suspected arson in Filby, near Great Yarmouth. (Image: Barry Hales)

Wherry Archery has 29 members, ranging from 11 to 69-years-old

Until the incident, the club has two storage sheds in Filby. The new, smaller one, which cost £500, was destroyed in the blaze.

Mr Hales said that young people have been seen on the roof of the shed, jumping up and down, and that they stripped the felt from the roof of the new shed before Christmas.

Norfolk Constabulary would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time.

Witnesses can contact PC Adrian Craske on 101 quoting crime reference number 36/3320/23 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.