A GARDENER'S labour of love was wrecked when his allotment was targeted by vandals and thieves.

Joseph Miller has grown show leeks and flowers at his allotment off West Chilton Terrace, in Chilton, for about 20 years.

Last Tuesday (October 16) he was devastated to learn his new shed and greenhouse had been destroyed during the previous night.

It appears the culprits smashed locks to gain access to the gardens and stole tools before using a parafin heater to start a fire which destroyed the shed and greenhouse.

The 65-year-old retired machine operator said: “It made me feel a bit sick.

“They'd torched the shed, which had only been up four weeks, and the greenhouse, which some lads helped me put up in the summer.”

Mr Miller explained that the heater had been left on in his greenhouse to provide warmth for his leeks during the night.

“It looks like they came in through other gardens, broke into the greenhouse, smashed the lock on the shed door and moved the heater into the shed.

“I think there must have been two or three of them – the amount of tools taken would have needed more than one person to carry them.”

“In 20 years it's the first time it's been targeted.”

Among the items taken from Mr Miller's shed were ladders, a staple gun, drill and spanners. Other items too heavy to carry were damaged in the fire.

Tools were also stolen from two other gardens at the site.

As well as the £400 shed, about 80 panes of glass from Mr Miller's greenhouse were destroyed in the blaze.

“It has totally put me off the allotment,” said Mr Miller.

“It will cost a fortune to put it back toghether again.”

Police are now investigating the thefts and arson and anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Sergeantt Matt Edwards on 101.

Acting Inspector Warren Edwards, of the Spennymoor neighbourhood police team, said: “We're appealing for information about this incident but if anyone sees any groups or suspicious activity around allotments contact us.

“Now the nights are dark, it is unlikely gardeners are tending their allotments late at night.”