Storms in Bristol this weekend are thought to have led to a fire in a clubhouse between Abbots Leigh and Failand after a falling branch brought down an overhead power cable.

The cable fell onto a propane gas cylinder used to supply Cotham Park Rugby Club's premises in Beggar Bush Lane, starting the fire in the boiler room.

Fire crews tackled the flames and cooled down other cylinders but although they managed to stop the fire from spreading to other parts of the three-storey building, the premises were badly smoke-logged.

Avon Fire and Rescue were called to the clubhouse at about 10.45pm on Friday.

Club chairman Nick Mortell said five weekend matches had to be cancelled as a result, including Saturday's friendly between Cotham Park's first team and the Whitehall's 2nd XV, as well as several junior matches.

Mr Mortell said: "Most of the smoke damage is in the changing area. The gas cylinders were also used to heat the water and the electricity supply needs to go back in.

"We built the clubhouse ourselves about 20 years ago. We raised the money and contributed various building skills to get it done, so hopefully this won't be too much of a setback.

"We don't have any matches next weekend so we've got a couple of weeks to get ourselves sorted."