A FATHER and son are devastated after a blaze destroyed their pigeon loft, killing up to 100 racing birds.

About £16,000 of damage and £20,000 of bird stock perished in the blaze, which residents believe was started deliberately.

A 50ft club house and all its equipment were also burnt to the ground in the fire, in Cotswold Crescent, Billingham, Teesside.

The racing birds belonged to Gary Clark, who races with his father, Thomas, under Thomas Clark and Son.

Gary, 36, said: "I had just put the little one to bed and I noticed two fire engines go past. I ran out to the back and saw all the flames - they were as high as the trees and I just knew it was my loft. I got someone to watch the kids and ran round.

"All the birds had perished. I have had pigeons all my life - since I was a kid."

His father, Thomas, said: "You can't replace them, they are our own breed and we have been very successful with them.

"It is not just the money, it is what we put into it. It is a lifetime's work."

One neighbour said: "It was a really big blaze and you could see and hear the birds trying to get out of the shed."

The clubhouse belonged to Billingham TUC Homing Society, and its members were yesterday helping to clean up the wreckage.

Firefighters from Billingham and Stockton were called to the allotment site at about 8.30pm on Saturday.

Officers quickly extinguished the flames, which were threatening to spread to adjoining pigeon lofts.

Club secretary Keith Perkins said: "We have lost everything - all the equipment. We need to get the club up and running again just so we can get racing again. We are due to race in about five or six weeks, so we need some help."

Fire officials said the cause of the blaze was doubtful but said police would be investigating.

Mr Perkins is appealing for anyone who can help donate equipment, particularly a shed, to call the club on 07974 643382 or (01642) 561571.

Cleveland Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to contact them on (01642) 326326.