BURGLARS have stolen cannabis plants from a poison garden designed to warn against the misuse of drugs.

Thieves took seven plants and propagating equipment from Alnwick Gardens, the only poison garden in the UK.

The controversial garden was opened by the Duchess of Alnwick in February.

Although branded by anti-drug campaigners as "irresponsible", supporters said it was a valuable tool in teaching children about the dangers of drugs.

It was granted a Home Office license to cultivate the drugs after promising there would be tight security surrounding the most dangerous plants.

However, intruders entered one of the greenhouses on Friday night, and made off with its stock of cannabis plants.

Following the embarrassing theft, the trust that runs the gardens has destroyed all remaining cannabis plants.

It has now instigated a review of security although a spokesman said it hoped to reinstate the display of cannabis plants at the tourist attraction next year.

The Duchess of Northumberland said yesterday: "The Alnwick Garden Trust is committed to drugs education, and the theft of the cannabis plants from the poison garden serves only to underline the importance of this work.

"The charity will continue to educate thousands of children each year on the dangers of drugs and poisonous plants."

The garden, which has attracted more than 120,000 people since it opened, is home to more than 50 rare, toxic and dangerous plants, including cannabis, opium poppies, magic mushrooms and coca, the source of cocaine, along with species such as tobacco and deadly nightshade.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We can confirm that we are investigating a burglary at the Alnwick Gardens, which happened between 5pm on Friday, September 30, and 7am on Saturday, October 1.

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to call police on (01661) 872555