A bowling club has been left in ruin after a fire ripped through it earlier this morning.

Emergency services were called to Gilfach Bowling Club, which is on Maes y Graig, at around 6.50am on Wednesday, June 1.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Multiple crews from Fire and Rescue Stations across South Wales, including Aberbargoed, Pontypridd and Caerphilly, attended the scene.

“Crews used specialist equipment and resources to tackle the fire, including a ground monitor, hose reel jets, water bowser and an aerial ladder platform.

“One wooden pavilion approximately 10m by 15m was severely damaged by fire.

“The incident is now being scaled down and a stop message was received at approximately 2.32pm.

“Crews remained at the scene for some time to dampen down hotspots and make the area safe.

“The premises has now been secured and a reinspection is scheduled to take place as a safety precaution.”

Residents were advised by the fire service to keep their windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke in the area.

In a Facebook post, club member Kristian Crocker said: “This morning around 7am, our second home Gilfach Bowling Club started to burn down.

“The memories, photos, top class facilities all gone in an hour. We’re all still getting our heads around what has happened but we will rebuild and come back stronger.”

Christopher Wright, who is a member of Barry Athletic Bowling Club, has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Gilfach – with more than £1,000 already raised.

He said: “In the early hours of Wednesday, June 1, Gilfach Bargoed’s clubhouse was destroyed by a fire which means they will now need to rebuild where possible.

“The club has lost countless memories, trophies as well as members’ personal possessions such as bowls, bags etc.

“It is now time that the Welsh bowls community does what it does best and rally around to help get this club back on their feet. Please donate what you can.”