A SPORTS changing facility used by several teams was moments away from being destroyed in a blaze started by children.

Firefighters were called to The Pavillion changing rooms, at St Mary's Walk, in Acklam, Middlesbrough, on Friday afternoon after a passer-by saw children running away from the burning building.

They arrived to find that panels had been removed and papers stuffed into a cavity to start a fire.

It had spread between the outer and inner walls of the timber structure, reaching its roof and threatening to engulf the whole building.

Station officer Ron Carr said: "Fortunately, no one was hurt and we managed to contain the fire, but the building was very dry and we were very fortunate. It was moments away from going up."

The loss of the changing rooms would have caused difficulties for their many users, including footballers, cricketers and golfers.

They will have no hot water or lighting until repairs are carried out.

Police are investigating.