AN allotment fire has caused £30,000 worth of damage to a stable and its contents.

Kevin Scott built the stable on Annfield Plain Allotments, near Stanley, County Dur-ham, about 12 years ago and was planning to move horses in there within the next two weeks.

He used it to store expensive equestrian equipment and machinery, but it has been ruined. Former miner Mr Scott, 56, of Percy Terrace, New Kyo, near Stanley, was unable to get insurance for the premises.

He was alerted to the fire, which started at about 6.30pm on Thursday, after someone called at his house.

Mr Scott said: "I went straight there and the flames were coming through the roof, about 30 or 40ft high.

"I just stood and looked at it. I couldn't believe it. You can't get insurance for a stable on allotments, so I have lost everything."

Mr Scott plans to have the site cleared by winter and will build another stable for his horses next year.

Anyone with information on the fire has been asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365.