Arsonists have wrecked the 100-year-old bowling green caf in Myrtle Park, Bingley.

The wooden building was gutted in the blaze which burst through the roof and windows.

Firefighters - who estimate about £40,000 worth of damage has been caused - believe the fire was started when someone thrust a lighted taper through the letter box.

Police officers were combing through the charred remains today and firefighters have also started an investigation.

Bingley fire service Sub Officer Martin Haynes said: "The building is a wooden structure and it has been very badly damaged.

"We believe it's 100 years old - it's part of Bingley's heritage.

"We managed to contain the blaze to the building and stop it spreading to the bowling office and the small zoo nearby where they keep hamsters and guinea pigs and some birds."

Fire crews fought the blaze for about two hours after the alarm was raised at about 10pm.