Gilfach Bargoed: Bowls club damaged by fire

Image source, Chris Wright

Image caption, Three fire crews attended the fire at Gilfach Bargoed bowls club in Caerphilly county.

A bowls club in the south Wales valleys has been badly damaged by fire.

The fire began at Gilfach Bargoed bowls club, Caerphilly county, just before 07:00 BST on Wednesday.

Three fire crews attended, along with a water bowser, and local residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.

Councillor Carol Andrews, who represents the Gilfach ward on Caerphilly council, called it "heartbreaking".

Image source, Chris Wright

Image caption, Local people were asked to keep doors and windows closed because of smoke

As the fire was burning, she told ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Wales Breakfast that she was able to see flames coming out of the roof, part of which had already collapsed.

"My father-in-law was the former councillor for Gilfach and he had very close association with the club, his pictures were on the wall - as many other people in Gilfach will have - memories in pictures on the wall.

"It's heartbreaking to see it destroyed this morning, to be honest."