Arsonists wreck Oswestry's replica First World War trenches

Staff at Park Hall Countryside Experience came into work today to find the underground rooms in the trench system had been set on fire.

It happened sometime between 4.15pm on Sunday and 8am today.

Managing director Richard Powell, said: "This morning we came in and found the underground rooms have been completely destroyed. We got to it at 8am and the fire was still smouldering.

"We've had the fire service out and they think someone has thrown something in there. It's a bit disappointing."

The scheme, which was led by Mark Hignett from Oswestry Museum, was unveiled in 2014 and has seen thousands of visitors experience what life would have been like on the frontline.

Mr Powell said early estimations show it could cost more than £4,000 to replace the equipment and fix the damage.

"We recently had a new sound effects system installed down there so when people walked in, it would trigger the sensors and play First World War noises. And we had new lamps which really added to the atmosphere.

"There's basically just a big hole in the ground so it will take some work to fix. It's early days and my estimate is conservative - it could cost a lot more."

Firefighters were called to dampen down the area.

The trenches will be closed to the public for the next two days while the area is cordoned off.