By Anna Burdett

Last updated at 12:26, Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Four teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson following a devastating blaze that gutted a bowling pavilion.

Fire crews spent some time 'damping down' at the scene

Related: Firefighters deal with blaze at Cumbrian park pavilion

Flames reached 100ft into the air during Sunday night’s fire at Castle Park Bowling club, near Penrith castle.

Two girls and a boy were released without charge by police yesterday, while a teenaged boy from Penrith was given bail pending further enquiries.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused when a cafe and the bowling club’s meeting area were completely destroyed.

The building was opened in 1938 and was leased to the club by Eden District Council.

Members were preparing to take over the maintenance of the bowling green next month after the council cut it from its budget.

The fire happened at about 7.40pm and led to a firefighting operation lasting nearly four hours involving five engines from as far afield as Carlisle and Shap.

Watch manager Bruce Wilson said he could see the flames as he approached the blaze from the M6.

First published at 11:25, Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk