A SOPHISTICATED indoor cannabis farm with a possible yield of almost £40,000 was discovered in a rented industrial unit, a court heard.

Police came across the farm in January after a tip-off from a member of the public who reported suspicious activity on Cold Hesledon Industrial Estate, between Seaham and Murton, in east Durham.

Durham Crown Court was told a van they followed was stopped at Throston Grange and found to contain a large amount of newly harvested skunk cannabis.

More cannabis was found at the homes of van driver Laurence Hope and his four passengers, all in Hartlepool.

James Adkin, prosecuting, said the search at Hope's home in Elwick Road, Hartlepool, revealed documentation linking him with the industrial unit.

He was interviewed and admitted growing cannabis on behalf of someone else, whom he would not name.

Police went to the unit and found the growing operation.

Officers recovered 387 plants and calculated a potential yield of £32,832, amounting to £39,000 when added to the cultivated cannabis found in the van and at the gang's homes.

Mr Adkin said Hope was the prime mover, with the other four recruited to harvest the crop the following day.

The unit was leased for £700 in August 2002 for the year starting last October.

Hope, 27, admitted producing, being concerned in the production and possessing class B drugs with intent to supply.

Jailing him for 18 months, Judge Richard Lowden said: "This was a sophisticated enterprise, very well set-up."

Jonathan Wharton, 21, of Lansdown Road, Ian Denton, 27, of Mereston Road, Daniel Kirton, 21, and his 27-year-old brother Linden, both of Elwick Road, all Hartlepool, each admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis.

All were ordered to perform 180-hours' community punishment and pay £170 court costs.