SOCCER teams who lost their changing rooms in an arson attack have vowed to rise from the ashes.

St Michael's Football Club was devastated after mindless vandals smashed through brick windows and set fire to their building. Despite the damage, teams are determined to continue playing in Ditton.

The club is launching a £35,000 fundraising campaign to improve facilities and develop a full sized senior pitch.

They hope to become a registered charity, secure grants and share their ground with the school and local community.

Secretary Neil Greenfield said: "We've never been the richest or plushest club but we hope to renovate our changing rooms. We've already got a club and car park."

The club, formed in 1966, was already planning refurbishment to meet new regulations to be introduced in the 2004 season, when their building was gutted.

Teams will play at Leigh Rec until the renovation is complete.

"It is going to cost us more now because of the fire," said Neil. "It's outrageous that mindless thugs and vandals want to destroy something we're trying to provide for the local community.

"Once we've got facilities up and running, we hope to attract more youth teams back and start some girls' football teams.

"The fire has set us back but we're going to carry on."

Charity bingos are being held at St Michael's Parish Centre at 8pm every Wednesday throughout August in aid of the football club.