A CHARITY has been overwhelmed by the level of support it received after a boat building project was ruined by a ‘suspicious’ fire.

Access Dorset received almost £1,000 within 24 hours of setting up a fundraising page for Horizons, which provides support for young disabled people with autism and Asperger syndrome through vocational skills.

On Sunday morning volunteers were shocked to discover the boat service users had been restoring was burned to the ground in a suspected arson attack.

The boat was donated to the charity by Jean Scott, after her husband John sadly died before he was able to complete the restoration himself.

Access Dorset is based in the Bridge at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth and aims to provide people with skills to transition into working adult life.

Jonathan Waddington-Jones, chief executive of Access Dorset, said the support from the community had been overwhelming.

“The boat was completely destroyed by the fire, there was no way it could be rebuilt,” he said.

“It was really disappointing for the guys who had worked so hard on the project.

“Seeing the boat was gutting. They put a real effort into this boat. They chose the colours and were really invested.”

Christchurch Round table has donated £1,000 to the group and members are in the process of deciding how to use the money.

Discussions have also taken place with Bournemouth Boating Services about how to get members of the project out on the water, whether through buying another boat or hiring one out.

Dorset Police are investigating last weekend’s incident.

A spokesman said the blaze, which engulfed the boat, a trailer, awning and cement mixer is believed to be suspicious. Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

The objects engulfed in the blaze were first seen by a member of the council’s parks team. Two volunteers from Access Dorset arrived shortly after firefighters had left the scene.

Mr Waddington-Jones added: “It is clear there is more good people in our community. We have discovered this from the residents in Southbourne,

“What the idiot who did this can’t take away is they have already learned new skills and built their stamina and confidence.

“They are a team and will continue to work together on the project in some form. We have been overwhelmed by the support.”

The fundraising page launched after the boat was destroyed can be viewed at www.gofundme.com/horizons-boat-project