AN award-winning gardener's vegetable patch has been destroyed by bored youngsters.

The tearaways trekked up a gushing stream and over a high wall into John Ritchie's back garden, on School Lane, Leyland on Monday.

They then pummelled his prized peas, blitzed his broad beans, trampled on his tomatoes and obliterated his onions during their wrecking spree - leaving pensioner John with nothing to show for months of hard work.

John, who has won awards in the South Ribble Glorious Garden competition and had entered this year's contest, said: "The patch is more or less ruined.

"Some of the vegetables were just days away from being picked, including the broad beans and the tomatoes, which were nearly ripe.

"I was absolutely livid when I saw what they had done."

The 73-year-old, who says his garden is his pride and joy, fears the attack may be a result of past confrontations with local youngsters, who often play in Bannister Brook, which runs alongside his home.

He added: "I have caught them running up and down the wall alongside my house and have asked them to move.

"I didn't cause a scene because I know what they can be like, throwing stones at windows.

"My vegetable patch is tucked away in a corner and is difficult to see, which is why I didn't see it happen.

"It is a hobby for me, I enjoy it but it has been destroyed for absolutely no reason."

The rest of John's manicured garden has been left in tact.

Leyland Police have been informed of the incident.

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