CHILDREN have been blamed for lighting fires at a derelict football stadium.

In recent weeks, fire crews have been called out regularly to put out fires at Feethams, in Darlington.

The latest incident happened yesterday afternoon at the former home of Darlington Football Club.

The fire brigade was alerted to the blaze by a call from a nearby phone box.

Crew manager Stuart Rye said: "We think it's kids who have been starting fires inside.

"Unfortunately, this is something that's been happening three or four times a week."

Last month, the derelict Quakers Centre next to Feethams was also set alight in a suspected arson attempt.