A DRUNKEN teenager started a fire in a village cricket club's scorebox to keep warm, a court heard.

But the blaze spread out of control and the box, which contained cricket equipment, was badly damaged.

Durham Crown Court heard that more than £7,100 worth of damage was caused at South Hetton Cricket Club's welfare ground after the blaze in May.

Although an insurance company met the cost of damage, the Durham Senior League club had to pay £250 in excess charges.

Marc Davies, prosecuting, said several teenagers were detained at the scene, and Anthony Dale Cross was arrested at home the following day.

Cross, 18, of Bevan Square, South Hetton, told police he and friends got into the scorebox by ripping off the cover. He then set light to some netting to keep warm.

He accepted that it was "a stupid thing to do", and said that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Brian Russell, in mitigation, said Cross, who admitted the charge, accepted the club was inconvenienced.

He said: "This was an act of the utmost stupidity, rather than a malicious or wicked act.

"This young man, effectively of good character, had the good sense to admit what he did straight away, where there may have been the chance to blame friends."

Mr Russell handed the court several references in praise of Cross, who works for an arborist.

Judge Peter Armstrong said: "Arson is always a very serious offence, serious enough to warrant custody.

"But, I will sentence you on the basis it was an act of stupidity rather than wanton wickedness, so I am prepared not to lock you up."

Cross was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community punishment and pay £250 compensation to the club, as well as £300 court costs.