SOPHISTICATED hydroponic equipment seized from a purpose-built cannabis factory has been given to charity.

Police donated several dehumidifiers and heaters to the East Lancashire Hospice after uncovering 600 cannabis plants during a raid at a house in Bolton Road.

The plants, which were discovered this month, had an estimated street value of £240,000.

The equipment will now be sold in the charity’s five shops, with all proceeds going directly to East Lancashire Hospice, which provides specialist, supportive and end-of-life care for patients and their families.

Sgt Paul Schofield said: “This property would otherwise have been destroyed, so I am delighted we could offer it to this worthwhile cause.”

Dawn Neary, East Lancashire Hospice retail manager, said: “Here everyone is special, whether patients come to us or we go to them.

“To enable us to continue this work, we need to raise almost £2.8million every year, which is just over £7,500 per day. This is not an easy task, but we are confident that with the help of our supporters we will achieve this.”

The Lancashire Telegraph has also launched its Raise the Roof appeal with the aim to raise £125,000 to build a new roof for the inpatients’ unit.

The donated equipment was found in a detached house which police believe was built solely to produce vast amounts of cannabis.

Plans lodged with the council show the building was designed as a garage with games room and study.

The police helicopter identified a heat source coming from the cannabis factory and police found a two-storey drugs farm inside.

Just short of £20,000 worth of electricity had been bypassed in six months to supply constant heat, light, water and air filtration, police said.

A 41-year-old man arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation is on police bail.

How to donate

  • By text - Send ROOF to 70700. Texts cost £5 plus network charge. East Lancashire Hospice receives at least £4.45. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 08448479800.

    Charity No 1075653.

  • Online - At eastlancshospice.org.uk/roof-appeal. Remember to add the word ‘roof’ in the comments section so it is clear the donation is for this appeal.
  • At a bank - Make a payment at any Yorkshire Bank, Account No 22741541, Sort Code 05-02-52. Locally there are branches in Accrington, Barnoldswick, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colne, Nelson and Todmorden.
  • By post - Send a cheque to Roof Appeal, East Lancashire Hospice, Park Lee Road, Blackburn, BB2 3NY.
  • By phone - Pay by debit or credit card by ringing 01254 733410.

If surplus funds are raised they will be used for the general purposes of the charity.