A fire in Abergavenny on Friday, September 27, has left a local non-profit organisation in ruins as Wye Valley Slot Car Club has been forced to close.

Wye Valley Slot Car Club is a community based non-profit Scalextric-type car racing group where children and adults come together to participate. 

They were established three years ago and since then have become one of the most popular slot car racing clubs in the UK, recently hosted European events.

Members would travel from as far as Newport, Monmouth, Hereford and Swansea to be part of it.

This is an example of one of their racing tracks.This is an example of one of their racing tracks. (Image: WVSSC) "The incident is a massive set back for our club," said Co-founder Leighton Jones.

"The club is a non-profit organisation supported solely by its members. We have a thriving junior section with members aged between 5-16 and their parent's have been really supportive.

"Because of the fire, we do not know if we can afford to continue, due to the cost of replacing everything.

"It took three years of hard work to get to where we are right now and in a matter of minutes, we are back to square one.

"This is so disappointing, after all our efforts and sponsorships, and the levels of community spirit we have brought to Abergavenny."

They have lost most of their equipment from the smoke which has also left residue all over the walls and surfaces inside their building.

Due to the niche nature of the club, they can not operate out of another venue.

The cause of the fire currently is unknown but South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed an investigation is ongoing.

To tackle the fire, SWFRS mobilised fire engines from six locations across South Wales, none of which being from the Abergavenny fire station.

According to witnesses, the first engines there were from New Inn and Ebbw Vale, who got to the scene in just over 20 minutes.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "SWFRS received a call at approximately 08:27am on 27th September 2024 to reports of a fire at a boxing gym at Hatherleigh Place, Abergavenny.

"Crews and appliances from Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale, New Inn, Abersychan and Tredegar attended the scene.

"The fire was extinguished using one hose reel jet, two 45ml main jets and one safety jet."

Emergency services are still investigating the cause of the fire, but business owners have suggested it could have been arson, as a window had been smashed.

To support Wye Valley Slot Car Club in ways other than membership, you can join or interact with their group on Facebook.