VANDALS caused damage and stole plants from a wildlife garden at an Egremont arts centre. 

However, organisers have confirmed that an open day planned for Monday will still go ahead. 

Florence Arts Centre, on the old Florence Mine site, is in the process of building the garden, with help from Lakes College's Stay West group - a scheme for students with learning disabilities. 

But the unknown offenders gained entry to the garden, caused damage to the pondliner and took a ceramic pot. 

The incident took place between 5pm on Monday and 9am the following morning. 

Florence's marketing manager Craig Carruthers said: "We've had some plants stolen, they've actually dug them out of the ground. The Stay West kids have been working hard on the garden. They were here on Monday and when they came back on Tuesday it had been damaged. 

"They've took a ceramic pot too, it's just a bit upsetting for the people who have been working on it. We're putting a pond in too and the pondliner has been damaged, that just seems malicious to me." 

Nuclear group NuGen donated the money to the centre to develop an area of waste ground at the rear of the property. It was part of the company's Green Grants scheme, which is designed to improve the local environment and promote sustainability. 

Monday's open day (10am to 4pm) will include art workshops and demonstrations to give visitors an opportunity to experience what the centre can offer. 

Music will be provided by a variety of local acts including CFM's Big Audition finalist Zoe Warren, who is teaming up with Lee Shackley to perform a variety of pop-rock covers as well as their own material. 

Other performances include a masterclass from drummer Andrew Bates, popular tunes from five-piece The Lamplites and songs from West Cumbrian community choir Sing Owt!. There will also be an open mic session. 

For more information visit www.florencemine.com or call 01946 824946.