ARSONISTS are being blamed for a blaze at a North-East centre that provides services for adults with learning difficulties.

A shed containing gardening equipment and also a temporary building were severely damaged in the fire at the Aucklandgate Centre, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Wednesday night.

Firefighters called to the scene at about 7.20pm found the shed well alight.

Durham County Council, which runs the centre, said that the fire will not affect any of the services offered.

A council spokesperson said: "We spend most of our time working in the community rather than the centre being the main focus, so none of our groups have been affected.

"There was some gardening equipment in the shed belonging to the gardening club and this will be replaced.

"A fire like this is always upsetting but we are just getting on with it.''

Last night firefighters appealed for witnesses and said that they and the police were taking the matter very seriously. Station Officer Steve Wharton said: "This fire was deliberate. The message that we need to get across is that people need to think about the consequences before doing this sort of thing.

Arson is a criminal offence which carries a potential life sentence.''

Witnesses are asked to contact Bishop Auckland Police on (01388) 603566 or contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.