A YOUNG poultry enthusiast could be forced to give up his chickens because of repeated vandalism at his allotment.

The vandals have ripped down fences and pulled up gateposts at Thom Robinson's allotment, in Barnard Castle.

The vandalism causes the chickens to escape into neighbouring allotments and they have attracted complaints from other allotment holders.

Thom, 17, a sixth-former at Teesdale Comprehensive School, now faces the prospect of having to give up his chickens.

He said: "The vandalism's been going on for about three years, since I got the allotment.

"At one point I had my shed broken into and all my gear stolen.

"I got the allotment just for something to do as there's not a lot to do round here. I started with six chickens and that's grown to about 25."

The town council, who own the allotments, is exploring different ways to resolve the situation without forcing Thom to give up his chickens.

The mayor, councillor John Yarker, said: "Thom's a young lad and we want to support and encourage him. But, we've also to be thinking about the neighbours. Hopefully, we'll be able to sort this out to everybody's satisfaction."

Police have told Thom that they will increase foot-patrols around the allotment.