A charity headquarters built just four years ago has been badly damaged in a fire.

The blaze at the Aldingbourne Country Centre near Fontwell destroyed the roof of a recreational block, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The centre is run by the Aldingbourne Trust and offers adults with learning difficulties a range of skills to help them become more independent.

The £250,000 block was built four years ago after a fund-raising campaign by the charity.

It was used by visitors to the centre in breaks during their course and included a lounge area with a settee, television and pool table.

Trust managing director Sue Livett was at the scene of Sunday night's fire yesterday to see the damage for herself.

She said: "We are not sure of the exact cost of it all yet. The roof is destroyed but the fire brigade are hopeful the actual structure of the building is sound.

"The whole roof will need replacing, the building rewired and some of the equipment there replaced.

"Most of the things inside the building have been badly damaged. The pool table is very popular and this was the first thing clients asked about when they arrived this morning.

"We managed to get it out but it is quite badly damaged. We think their bits and pieces in their lockers are also likely to be affected but we can't go in to check yet."

Ms Livett said the clients at the centre were very calm when told about the blaze.

She said: "They are taking it incredibly well. We have explained what has happened and are trying to find a temporary place they can use to relax in.

"The building is cordoned off and we will have to see what happens over the next few days to decide what steps we can take next.

"It is a real shame as so much effort went into raising money for the building and the clients are disappointed they cannot use it.

"But at least everyone is safe. The fact the fire started in the evening when there was nobody in there is a great relief."

The centre is used by more than 70 people from West Sussex every week who come for training in a wide range of skills including horticulture, furniture restoration and catering.

Fire crews from Bognor and Chichester were sent to tackle the blaze shortly after 9pm on Sunday and when they arrived flames were already shooting through the roof.

Crews quickly established nobody was inside the building but firefighters could hear the blaze in the roof space and soon the ceilings started to collapse.

Computers and recreational equipment were salvaged before the collapsing ceilings and falling debris made the fire unsafe to tackle from inside.

Other crews worked on the roof, removing tiles to try to stop the fire spreading but despite their efforts 75 per cent was badly damaged.

Crew commander Paul Whykes said the fire in the roof was already well developed when crews arrived.

He said: "There was very little we could do to save the roof as smoke was pouring out along the whole length and flames were higher than nearby trees.

"Our investigation is still ongoing but at this stage it looks like the fire started accidentally in the roof space before burning debris has dropped down."

Fore more details about the centre and the work of the charity visit www.alding bournetrust.co.uk or call 01243 544607.