EXHIBITORS at a Redcar garden show have vowed never to return to the area after they were targeted by sneak thieves at the weekend.

The thefts marred Redcar and Cleveland Council's first ever garden show at Kirkleatham Museum.

A juggler from Nottingham had a £1,500 laptop computer and a digital camera stolen while he slept in his tent in the museum's grounds.

The thieves also stole about £680 worth of hand-made jewellery from retailer Judith Metcalf 's stand in the main marquee.

Plant seller Dave Foster said: "Everybody has had bits and pieces stolen.'' Show promoter Doug Moore, who is from Spalding, Lincolnshire, said: "It's possible quite a few exhibitors will not be coming back.''

Paul Mulgrew, boss of Redcar-based KC Security, the firm hired to patrol the showfield, said exhibitors had been advised not to leave valuables on the site overnight on Saturday.

He said: "It is a wide open site. We did brief people on what requirements were needed. They decided they wanted to cut security levels.''

Malcolm Armstrong, cultural development officer with Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "It's very regrettable this should happen at any event, but especially a family event. But we have done all we could by employing a professional security company.''

Redcar and Cleveland Mayor, Coun Peter Spencer, who opened the show, said: "This is a most despicable act that has not only destroyed the confidence of exhibitors coming to future shows, but also the enjoyment of the residents of Redcar and Cleveland."

Anyone with information about the thefts should call police on 01642 326326.