AN elderly allotment holder has thanked a community-spirited company for offering to help after vandals struck for the second night in a row.

Honeypot Lane Allotments, in Darlington, have become a target for vandalism, much to the distress of 82-year-old plot holder Thomas Hope.

Mr Hope, who has been tending the allotments for more than 50 years, was devastated to discover more vandalism had occurred at the allotments on Thursday night, following Wednesday’s initial wrecking spree.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Mr Hope and friends, after Darlington graffiti removal company Nordic Pioneer offered to get some of its apprentices to help in the clean-up operation.

The company acted after reading about the allotments being targeted in The Northern Echo.

Mr Hope said: “There is nothing really left after the second night of vandalism – I could not believe my ears when I heard.

“I spoke to a gentleman from Nordic Pioneer, who will send some apprentices to help next week, which I am very grateful for.”

The apprentices, who will be able to help with the heavy lifting and labouring needed to begin restoring the allotments, will only be able to start work after forensic police work has been carried out.

It is hoped work will begin by the middle of next week Harry Woodhall, Tees Valley programme manager for Nordic Pioneer, said: “When we heard about Mr Hope’s problem, we were only too happy to try to help.

“I am going to speak to him on Monday to see about sending a team up there later in the week.”

Inspector Kevan McCarthy, of Darlington police, said: “This is a very unpleasant incident, bearing in mind the age of the injured party, Mr Hope.

“It is obvious he has taken a lot of pride in his allotment and I am sure he will be devastated it has been vandalised to that extent.”

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council, which runs the allotments, said: “Vandals do damage property on our allotments from time to time – we simply cannot understand why someone would intentionally damage allotment holders’ hard work and dedication.”

Witnesses are asked to call PC John Forster, on 101, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.

􀁧 Vandals slashed the plastic polytunnels used to protect Mr Hope’s vegetables, which will be the most costly thing to replace. Anyone who could help replace the tunnels is asked to email andy.walker@ nne.co.uk