AN after-schools club is facing a rent increase of 380 per cent after arsonists destroyed the school where it was based.

The Magic Club operated at Middleton St George Primary School until it was severely damaged by fire two weeks ago.

The club, which provides after-school care from 3.20pm until 6pm on weekdays, was forced to find temporary accommodation in the village Women's Institute hut following the fire.

Officials hope to have the school open, at least in part, after Easter.

Until then, the Magic Club must continue to use the hut which costs £60 a week to rent compared with £12.50 a week for the space at the school.

The manager of the club approached Middleton St George Parish Council for some financial help to meet the increase in costs for the five weeks until Easter. At a parish council meeting, Councillor Doris Jones called for them to meet the full amount.

She said: "These are the innocent victims of this fire. If the after-school club is to continue they have to move to the WI hut.

"There is nowhere else suitable in the village for young children."

Other councillors called for the Women's Institute to offer the space for free or at greatly reduced rate and it was finally decided to give the club £100 towards the cost.

Parish council chairman Councillor Brian Jones said: "There are other organisations in the village that may also be able to offer some financial assistance.

"I would also ask the WI to reduce their rates more as they are getting revenue for these five weeks that they would not normally receive."