TWO drivers risked their lives to save vans and cars after an arson attack on a disused health clinic in Pontypool.

District transport service drivers Phil Parker and Alan Burns noticed the flames in the building near the ambulance station in George Street.

They sprang into action and drove away a wagon, a large van and two combi vans worth an estimated £70,000 to the ambulance service - along with two private cars. Mr Burns said 45 minutes before the blaze he told youngsters to leave the disused building. When the blaze broke out, he and Mr Parker rang the fire service.

"We grabbed the keys and moved as many vehicles as we could," Mr Burns said.

"When I moved the last one, you could feel the heat coming through the windscreen."

Welsh Ambulance Service officer for Torfaen and Newport, Steve Salter, said: "Phil and Alan risked their lives to rescue these vehicles."

The blaze - believed to have been started by young arsonists - gutted the single-storey demountable building and two minibuses belonging to the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Up to 30 firefighters battled 70-foot flames, and smoke could be seen from four miles away.

Two Patient Care Service vehicles, which will cost £50,000 to replace, were also completely destroyed, along with a Nissan Micra and a Vauxhall Astra estate belonging to residents.

There were also several explosions as compressed gas cylinders caught fire.

Gwent Police cordoned off two roads - George Street and Conway Road - while the fire, which began at around 7.20pm, was brought under control. It was put out shortly after 8.30pm.

Station officer Nick Jones, of Duffryn fire station, said: "The cause of the fire was deliberate ignition. There were many youths seen running from the building by a number of witnesses."

Sergeant Andrew Lloyd, of Gwent Police, appealed for anyone with information to call police on 01633 838999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.