CHURCH leaders were counting the cost today after fire badly damaged their hall.

The blaze broke out at the back of St Margaret's Church, in Arundel Road, Angmering, last night.

Fire crews from East Preston said the fire badly damaged the roof and ground floor.

There were no injuries and the cause is being investigated.

At about the same time, arsonists are believed responsible for a blaze which gutted a church hall in Fishersgate.

More than 20 firemen from Hove and Shoreham tackled the blaze at the building next to St Peter's Church, in Gardner Road.

Investigators believe the blaze, which reduced the building to a shell, was caused by youngsters playing with matches.

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