MANY exhibitors from across the UK have vowed never to return to the North-East, after show stalls were looted by thieves and personal items stolen.

Thieves crept into one tent and stole a £1,500 laptop computer and digital camera while the owner, a juggler from Nottingham, slept in his tent.

The entertainer, who was performing at Redcar and Borough Cleveland Council's first Garden Show in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, at the weekend, said he would never return to the area.

The thieves also stole about £680 worth of hand-made jewellery from retailer Judith Metcalf's stand in the main marquee.

Show promoter Doug Moore, who is from Spalding, Lincolnshire, said: "It's quite possible quite a few exhibitors will not be coming back.''

Paul Mulgrew, boss of Redcar-based KC Security, the firm hired to patrol the showfield, said exhibitors had been advised not to leave valuables on the site overnight on Saturday.

He said: "It is a wide open site. We did brief people on what requirements were needed. They decided they wanted to cut security levels.''

Malcolm Armstrong, cultural development officer with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: "It's very regrettable, this should happen at any event, but especially a family event. But we have done all we could by employing a professional, security company.''

Redcar and Cleveland Mayor Councillor Peter Spencer, who opened the show, said: "This is a most despicable act that has not only destroyed the confidence of exhibitors coming to future shows, but also the enjoyment of the residents of Redcar and Cleveland."

He and Cleveland Police appealed to anyone with information about the thefts, to contact police on (01642) 326326.