DRUG addicts, boy racers and arsonists are making life misery for the sole family left in a hamlet overlooking a River Tees beauty spot.

They are attracted to derelict buildings at Girsby, near Neasham, where only Rose Cottage and the tiny All Saints' church remain intact.

The last straw came last week when Mr Kevin Fogg and his partner, Tracey Evans, found their prize bulldog, Winston, lying dead in the drive.

"He was halfway up the drive," said Mr Fogg. "It was obvious he had been given a hellava bump by a car. He weighed about nine stone and had been thrown where he lay. The driver didn't stop."

The dog's death was the final shock for the couple who, between them, have five children under the age of ten.

"They are getting older and want to explore the old buildings across the road," said Mr Fogg. "This is a rural area and we can't be expected to keep them in.

"But I've found drug needles, tourniques, silver paper and used contraceptives, all lying around where my children can find them.

"We live on a T-junction so there is no need for anyone else to drive up here, except to go to the church or to look at the view.

"But cars speed up and down at all hours of the day and night and next time it could be one of the children, not a dog."

Mr Fogg said the problem was much worse in winter under the cover of darkness.

"At Hallowe'en I had to go up to the graveyard and clear out a group of people in fancy dress who were having a party - high on drink or drugs.

"I've often been threatened, so it's a good job I'm a big bloke."

The eyesore buildings, cheek by jowl with the church, are a thorn in the side of the whole community. The latest incident was on the agenda for the parish meeting.

Miss Ann Alderson, who lives at a nearby farm, said: "Soon after the last family moved out, the farm sheds were set on fire and cars have been burnt out up there constantly.

"We seem to have become a dumping ground, the trash can of Darlington."

At that time there was word that the owner of the buildings was going to develop some bijoux properties. But that was years ago and nothing happened.

A spokesman for Hambleton District Council said: "We will investigate and take action where we can."

Mr Fogg is offering a reward for information to the police about the car which hit his dog; telephone Sgt Kevin Thornton on 01609 783131.