A fire-ravaged football club is aiming to rise from the ashes of its burned out pavilion by rebuilding as a village social club.Gimingham's clubhouse was gutted by a blaze earlier this month, destroying club memorabilia, trophies and kit.

A fire-ravaged football club is aiming to rise from the ashes of its burned out pavilion by rebuilding as a village social club.

Gimingham's clubhouse was gutted by a blaze earlier this month, destroying club memorabilia, trophies and kit.

But players, local people and the press have been rallying round to help the team battle back from its set back.

The News reprinted pages of the club's biggest glory day, when it won the Norfolk Primary Cup in 1995, the underdogs beating previous finalists Terrington in an emotional match dedicated to player Paul Gentle who had died from ski accident injuries just a few weeks earlier.

Chairman Robert Grand said the club was grateful for the memorabilia, which would hang in pride of place once there was a new wall to put it on.

The big game saw Paul's twin brother Keith, then 20, holding the trophy aloft and jubilantly shouting “This is for your Paul.”

Mr Grand said the whole village turned out to the game at Wroxham which was “like our winning the FA Cup.”

The club was waiting for insurance money to come through, but rather than replace the building with a sports pavilion, had hopes of providing a social club for the village which has no pub, and was in talks with the parish council about possible help.

In the meantime it was hoping to find someone with a spare portable building which could be used as temporary changing rooms.

The club was also appealing for other people with photos and memorabilia to help them rebuild their archive.

Extra fund raising was also being organised as people rallied to the club's cause after the fire.

Several players were doing a Boxing Day swim at Vale Road, Trimingham near the Ingleside Hotel in a morning dip which should raise hundreds of pounds. In the village locals had organised bingo and quiz nights.

Other clubs had also offered assistance with Stalham loaning goal nets which had also gone up in smoke along with corner flats, first aid kit and spare shorts and shirts.

Two teenagers aged 14 and 16 have been arrested for suspected arson and bailed to return to the police station on January 8 while investigations continue.

Anyone who can help with temporary changing rooms, memorabilia, or fund-raising should contact Mr Grand on 07500 894882.