Members of a Kent waterski club have offered a £750 reward for information leading to the successful conviction of those responsible for a suspected arson attack that has destroyed the popular seaside centre.

Two sons of members of the Foreness club saw smoke coming from the Princes Walk site at Palm Bay in Cliftonville and raised the alarm just before 10.30pm last Wednesday (February 18).

Although firefighters were at the scene within five minutes, the wood and brick structure was so badly damaged it was ruled unsafe by building inspectors and what was left has now been pulled down.

Police say the clubhouse was broken into through a back wall, a quantity of alcohol was removed and some was left on the ground outside, before the fire was started inside.

The fire is a bitter blow for club members who rebuilt and refurbished the former derelict seaside cafe in 2004 to create a clubhouse that included social room, kitchen, bar, showers, changing rooms and toilets.

Club secretary Chris Lucy said: "We won’t be scuppered by this attack. It is a harsh blow but we are looking forward and intend to have a presence on this spot for Easter and the summer, using portable buildings if necessary.

"We have already pledged to have our headquarters rebuilt on this site."

Ward councillor Sandy Ezekiel, who supported the refurbishment programme, said: "I am sickened that vandals could destroy something that is part of our seaside recreation. I will do all I can to help the club get back on its feet."

Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to contact Det Con Clare Walker at Margate Police Station on 01843 231055 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference EY/2790/09.

Detectives are keen to talk to someone who was seen walking along Palm Bay Avenue towards the tennis courts shortly after the emergency services were called.