VANDALS who started a fire in the main stand at a Gwent rugby ground have been condemned by the club chairman for a "senseless and dangerous" act.

The fire in the stand at Pontypool Park was reported at around 10.10am on Sunday morning and dealt with by firefighters from the station at New Inn.

Pontypool RFC chairman Ben Jeffreys called the damage "superficial but unnecessary" and said he feels for the club's volunteers and fans.

He described vandalism at the ground as still a regular occurrence, but hopes CCTV footage will identify the culprits this time.

"It's an ongoing issue, we've had anything from smeared excrement on seats, to needles on try lines, and smashed seats," he said.

"There's a standing area at the back of the stand, and the fire destroyed some wood panelling. It is superficial damage but unnecessary.

"There's a strong foundation at this club now, we are doing so much good work on the field and off, and it's a big shame when these things happen. It's senseless and dangerous.

"We've got dedicated volunteers who are angry at this and want to clean it up, but it's a crime scene and we don't know yet what materials were involved.

"They're the ones I feel for, because they clean up after these incidents, and do what they do for the love of the club.

"They give their time, rain or shine, and things like this are disheartening, but we'll never give up."

Pontypool RFC have started strongly this season, topping the National Championship table with a 100 per cent record after six games.