THE junior footballing community has rallied around Ardeer Juniors following another fire at the Stevenston club.

Last week, a fire was started at their old function suite and it spread and caused damage to the new suite but thanks to supporters, the junior side are fighting back.

Club boss Paul Kellington and assistant Jim Catterson set up a fundraising page which raised over £400 within 24 hours, with junior clubs and supporters throughout Ayrshire chipping in.

Ardeer Secretary Peter McBlain spoke of the club’s resilience.

He told the Herald: “The old one [function suite] was burnt to the ground and it caught on to the new one but the fire service were brilliant.

“We have had joiners and electricians done and it was in a bit of a bad way but they have worked and we should be able to save it.

“We will wait till we get all the money but I would like to thank everyone.

“No one is going to beat us, that’s for sure. This is what happens when you are down at the bottom and it sums up our year.

“All the joiners and electricians came down free of charge and one of our supporters is going to have CCTV fitted for absolutely nothing.”

Police are investigating the cause of the fire and a spokesperson said: “About 6.46pm on April 9, Police Scotland were informed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of a fire in New Street, Stevenston.

“Local officers will be working with the Fire Service to establish the cause of the fire and are appealing to anyone with information regarding this incident to contact them by calling 101 quoting incident number 3358 of 9th April 2019.”

A spokesman for the SFRS said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 6.42pm on Tuesday, April 9 to reports of a portable cabin on fire in New Stevenston.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire engines to New Street where firefighters extinguished the flames.

“Crews lefts after ensuing the area was made.”

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.