AN amazing spirit of community came to the fore in Ruthin in the wake of Storm Arwen.

The roof of the clubhouse at the Memorial Playing Fields was damaged by strong winds early on Saturday morning.

However, by the end of that morning, the roof had been made safe and it had been waterproofed, thanks to the help of dozens of volunteers.

The clubhouse is used by both the football and cricket clubs in Ruthin.

Ruthin Town FC secretary Rich Goldston said: "It happened on CCTV at about 1.10am.

"Somebody had put a post on Facebook about half-past-one saying the football club roof was going up."

Mr Goldston says he was woken up at around 7.15am on Saturday and he immediately headed down to the club, and was followed by Duncan Roberts from the cricket club.

"Then 30 people turned up, some with tools and some with only their bare hands. By 10.30 or 11am it was all cleared," said Mr Goldston.

A statement from the club on Twitter read: "Disaster avoided, thanks to fantastic community spirit and support of local businesses!

"On Friday Storm Arwen was wreaking chaos across the country, with the clubhouse at Ruthin Memorial Playing Fields, home of both Ruthin cricket and football clubs, also a victim, suffering substantial damage to the roof.

"Thankfully, due to the amazing support from local companies and the brilliant community spirit, disaster has been avoided.

"Just 36 hours after the damage was surveyed by Duncan and Rich, the clubhouse has a temporary roof to ensure that it is weatherproofed. The whole roof will need to be replaced in the not too distant future."

The statement added: "Special thanks must go to local businesses: MKM Building Supplies - Ruthin, Salisbury Garden Machinery, IT Williams and Wyn Thomas of J Lloyd a'i Fab.

"The Association committee would also like to extend their thanks to: Ian Goldston, Phil White, Eilir Edwards, Adam Kell (Kellectrics), Pete Parry, Wynne Davies, Alun Lloyd Jones and the many others who have assisted with the clean up operation.

"However, the sterling efforts of Rich Goldston and Duncan Roberts absolutely cannot go unmentioned, we are extremely grateful to have them both so involved within the association and clubs."

Mr Goldston added: "I think we will look at grants to renew the roof.

"We've got no lights in the changing rooms and the corridor."