A VILLAGE police officer single-handedly seized more than £20,000 worth of drugs and equipment when he uncovered a cottage cannabis-growing business.

The loft and back bedroom of a County Durham house had been converted into a cannabis cultivation area, which was uncovered by beat officer PC Kevin Woodcock.

Armed with a warrant, the 34-year-old officer called at the terraced house in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland on Wednesday and seized 50 plants in pots, some more than 3ft high.

Also confiscated were lights, heaters, foil, electrical and irrigation equipment and boxes of plants material that was being dried out.

Most of the plants are now being stored by the police.

Inspector Ivan Wood said: "It is a good result and has come about as a result of PC Woodcock's links in Evenwood, where people have been prepared to give information which he has followed up.

"The bottom line is the people of Evenwood benefit."

Two men, one in his early 20s and the other in his early 30s, were arrested and were being questioned yesterday at Bishop Auckland Police Station.

Both men were released on bail, pending the outcome of laboratory tests to be carried out on the plants.