BEEKEEPERS in Chudleigh Knighton are rallying round after a devastating suspected arson attack which caused £10,000 damage.

Police are investigating the blaze which wrecked the site at Clay Lane but no witnesses have been found and information is limited.

Volunteers of Newton Abbot Beekeepers, who run the apiary, discovered they had lost 36 boxes which collect honey with their wax, 14 spare hives and two observation hives which are used for education purposes at shows and open days.

Also destroyed were two large sheds and other items including a lawn mower, wood and tools.

Now they are appealing for help and donations to help restore the site.

The fire broke out between the evening of Saturday, May 7 and Monday, May 9 and was discovered when the apriary team, led by Allan Hodgson, went to check on the bees on Tuesday evening.

Fencing had been cut with wire ­cutters to gain entry to the area.

Member Tanzey King explained: ‘The society members have really come together, supporting each other and making new equipment at this critical time of year for bees.

‘It is very important that they are managed in such a way that they don’t swarm or have disease as they increase in numbers and more flowers are blooming.

‘Our equipment kit suppliers have also pulled out the stops and sent some wooden kits for six new hives to be made up by members as an interim solution.

‘We had about ten people all hammering and glueing at the site while we cleaned away all the burned debris.

‘It seems nothing was seen locally even though the fire must have been an inferno with all the wax.

‘We found molten glass and metal remnants.

‘The land is owned by Imerys Minerals who have been brilliant in the past and now during this crisis.

‘We will now look for funding to purchase a metal container to replace our shed and keep our equipment locked and secure.

‘It is expensive but we are determined to prevent this happening again.

‘If anyone can offer a donation of a container or funds we would be very, very grateful as we are not a wealthy society.

‘Bees are a very important part of our ecosystem and as a society we enjoy handling and caring for them as well as meeting socially.’

The popular society operates to educate new and old beekeepers to ensure bee health, proliferation of the bee population and safety.

It currently has 12 colonies of honey bees at different stages and members plan to use these to create new queens and colonies as well as a honey crop to provide an income to finance the apiary and the society’s activities.

Despite the blaze, members are ploughing on with plans to host an open day on Saturday, May 28 between 2pm and 5pm.

There will be free taster sessions with suits provided for adults and children, tea, cakes, plants, books, honey and wax rolling for candles.

Open days attract children, parents and members of the public who want to learn more about bees and beekeeping.

The main event is held near the club house which is safely away from flying bees.

Members are hoping the public will turn out in force to support the event and the association.

Police inquiries are continuing and they are appealing for information.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact investigating officers by calling 101 and quoting crime reference CR/030359/16.574.