The charity, which provides work experiences for adults with learning difficulties, was hosting its annual two-day plant sale when vandals ransacked the gardens.

A willow gazebo, the focal point of the centre's sensory garden, was burned to the ground, hanging baskets were destroyed and wheelbarrows and trolleys were overturned.

Centre manager Lynda Vowles said: "Obviously, we don't have a lot of respect for the people that did this.

"The people that lose out are the people that use our centre, as well as many members of the public who come up here, too.

"Who knows what goes through their minds? Why would they smash up a charity's garden? It's pointless."

The damage was found by Peter Flay, a horticultural instructor, when he arrived at work early on Sunday, May 11.

He and other staff then had to clear up all the mess before people arrived for the plant sale.

He said: "It's not just the damage caused, but the fact these mindless vandals seemed not to care that we were a charity."

Despite the vandalism, the sale was said to have been a "great success", with the centre raising £17,500 – more than ever before.

But it will not be used to replace the gazebo yet, as Lynda said they were fearful the vandalism would happen again.

She said: "It's sad we have to think like that, but we will have to wait a while before replacing the gazebo in case it happens again."
Police are investigating but, as yet, there have been no arrests.

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