A CLUBHOUSE gutted by fire is set to reopen three-and-a-half months early because of the hard work of an "extended family".

Orpington Rugby Football Club members gave up their Christmas holidays to fix up the damage done by arsonists.

One end of the clubhouse in Hoblingwell Wood Recreation Ground, Leeson's Way, St Paul's Cray, was completely destroyed by the flames.

The building was expected to be out of use for four months.

But the bar area should be open as early as next week, just three weeks after the fire occurred on December 21.

This is due to the work of members who have spent every hour of available daylight working to fix up the building.

Everything damaged or burned by the fire has been removed and the roof has been made safe.

Club secretary Leigh Compton has been at the club every day since the fire.

She said: "People have given up their Christmas to get in there and work.

"It just shows the spirit of the club and it shows us how hard we work.

"The fire has brought us together. We have really become a club."

Orpington RFC has also received a lot of community support.

Pubs in St Mary Cray, Orpington, Chelsfield and St Paul's Cray have donated raffle prizes to help raise funds.

A Christmas Eve disco, a Boxing Day match and a New Year's Eve party would have been cancelled if it was not for the support of the trustees of Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road.

They stepped in to offer the use of their building for functions.

Club bar manager Lynn Cordier says she is amazed at the support from the community.

She said: "I am so emotional because of the way people have reacted.

"They put their hearts and souls into it and I think it's fantastic."

"I feel like I have inherited an extended family because of the support and the way everyone has reacted over this because they have been so great and all pulled together."

Orpington RFC, which was founded in 1926 and reformed in 1969, now has more than 1,000 members.

To help the club, call Mrs Cordier on 07930 200935.