A SMALL shot in the arm will help a long-standing local league cricket club's bid to rise from the ashes of two arson attacks.

Despite being hit for six by suspected fireraisers twice last year, Seaham Harbour Cricket Club hopes contingency measures will enable it to compete in the Durham Senior League in the coming season.

The measures will give the club time to put plans into place to repair and renew the fire-hit pavilion and social rooms at its New Drive ground, in Seaham.

The club has finally settled its claim with insurers following the most recent blaze, which damaged the premises last August.

Although it will not permit a total rebuild, it will allow for repair work to take place in coming months.

Secretary Ray Armbrister said: "Funding is a constant battle for us.

"We're 140 years old, but, unlike some clubs, we don't get a lot of grant support and we have to apply for all sorts, not always successfully.

"We could do with anything up to £200,000 for what is needed for the place, but we don't have anything like that."

He said although the club had now settled with the insurers, it was not totally covered.

"We have a certain amount available to us and you have to cut your cloth accordingly," said Mr Armbrister.