Four generations of a family were left devastated after an arsonist burned down their beach hut.

Jill Bird and partner Paul Millar had bought the hut in Holland-on-Sea last month, and spent almost £1,000 on it. Nothing remains of their investment after arsonists set it and three others alight.

Mrs Bird, 49, said her hut would have ben used by everyone from her grandchildren to her parents.

"My dad Derek is 77 and has Alzheimer's disease," said Mrs Bird, of Beaumont Avenue, Clacton.

"My parents can't go on holiday any more, but this was somewhere they could go for a cup of tea."