More than £7,000 raised after fire at Lamont Farm Project in Erskine

More than £7,000 has been raised for an animal rescue project after it was deliberately set alight.

No animals were harmed in the fire at Lamont Farm in Erskine, Renfrewshire, on Friday morning.

Investigating officers said it was the noise from the distressed animals that alerted staff to the blaze at around 4.15am.

Cats that were within the portacabin managed to escape the flames and all the horses within a stable nearby were safely moved to a field.

Lamont Farm Project - which houses more than 50 rescue animals of all types - said it was "devastated" over the incident and estimates that the repair cost from the smoke and water damage "is going to be high".

A GoFundMe was launched and has so far raised £7,165.

A spokesperson for the charity told Sky News: "We're overwhelmed by all the support we have had and are eternally grateful."

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The farm was forced to close its doors but is set to reopen on Tuesday.

The announcement on Facebook also called for new members to join the farm's committee.

The spokesperson added: "We would also just like to put [out] a very personal thanks to the amber watch from Clydebank fire station who attended on Friday morning, who undoubtedly saved it from being so much worse."

Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the blaze and believe it was started deliberatly.

Detective Constable Robert Urquhart said officers have been checking local CCTV and neighbouring properties, but urged anyone with information to come forward.