VANDALS have struck one of Okehampton's leading community organisations for the sixth time — eight apple trees have been ripped out and destroyed, ruining months of hard work.

The attacks, which happened in broad daylight on Saturday, have left the community feeling frustrated with the lack of respect for the gardens.

Over the last few month the Growing Our Future team, co-ordinated by Beth Hamer, have endured continuous vandalism to their gardens, which has seen the hard work of the team and its volunteers, destroyed.

Last month a greenhouse made of bottles, was pulled down and seeds, which had taken weeks to plant, were pulled out and destroyed.

Beth Hamer said she felt particularly saddened by the attack on the apple trees.

'The trees are living beings and it really does upset me that such hard work and effort by so many people can be completely destroyed by one or two individuals.'

The team have received support from the community, which included a bring and buy sale held by members of St Bridget's Church in Bridestowe last weekend and donations from the public.

Organiser of the Bridestowe sale, Jenny Reynolds, said the attacks brought the community together to offer a helping hand.

'When I heard about the attacks before, I really wanted to help out Beth and the team.

'The bring and buy sale was a perfect way to do that and also offered her the chance to have a stall of her own.

'She was inundated with pots and containers in all shapes and sizes and many people gave her plants directly.

'It's good to know that none of the plants we had been given will be wasted and will go on to enhance the garden at the college and those in the primary schools Beth visits all over the area.'

Beth expressed thanks to all those who have supported the team.

'We have received so much support from everybody and it is a real help at a time like this.

'I'd especially like to say a big thank you to Jenny Reynolds, who let us have a stall at their bring and buy sale.

'People have given us so much, we have pots and plants which is a real help.

'It's nice that people are remaining so positive because it really makes a difference.'

The Growing Our Future team will be organising a community work day in the autumn, where residents can help to repair the damage done and re-plant a new orchard.

If anyone has any information on the attacks please phone Beth on 07903 121146.