Firebugs caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage after starting a blaze at a cut-price furniture shop in Shipley.

Items of donated furniture - destined to help needy local families - left outside the store in Church Street, Windhill, were set on fire last night.

The fire burned through the side of Windhill Furniture Store's timber framed building and destroyed a number of mattresses stored inside.

Two crews from Shipley fire station were called to the scene just after 10pm and used two jets to put out the blaze.

Leading fireman Dave Mackrill said: "It's a real shame because all the furniture there is donated and helps people who haven't got certain things such as settees and beds and then someone comes along and sets fire to the place."

Mr Mackrill said the furniture set on fire had been so badly damaged it had not been possible to identify it.

The scheme, based at Windhill Community Centre, collects good-quality second-hand furniture and sells it at discount prices to needy families living in the area.

Since it was set up by the North East Windhill Community Association in 1988, the project, which is run by volunteers, has helped thousands of people receiving benefits or on low incomes.

Community economic development worker Kath Quinn said: "The store is staffed by four dedicated volunteers who work very hard to supply this service and the fire has devastated them."

She added: "We had been going to help a young woman who has just moved to the area and has nothing for her flat but we won't be able to now. So, whoever has done this, not only damaged the store but also stopped someone having something to sit on and sleep on."

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