Yobs struck at Yorkshire Coast College after breaking into a shed on the site and ransacking its contents.

The offenders are then believed to have used garden tools to smash the special toughened plastic glass in several greenhouses before daubing offensive graffiti on the shed walls.

Gardening tutor Shirley Doyle said she burst into tears when she saw the extent of the damage.

She said: "I just burst out crying. We have had damage before but they've never touched the plants – in the past they've just smashed the glass.

"I couldn't believe what they'd done. I've been trying to get a camera down there or put a fence up around it. It's unbelievable. I just could not believe what I was seeing – they'd just trashed the whole lot."

Six years ago, greenhouses at the college garden were targeted by vandals on three separate occasions, prompting the fitting of toughened plastic panes.

Ms Doyle added the garden was used by young adults with learning difficulties or disabilities while another of her groups were former students who returned on a voluntary basis because they enjoyed the work so much.

She said: "Some of them come here in September and absolutely hate it but, by the time spring comes around and they see what they've produced, they come to like gardening."

Carole Kitching, the college's interim principal and chief executive, said: "The college is extremely distressed by what has happened to our garden, greenhouse and garden sheds.

"It is a source of inspiration for our staff, young adult learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and volunteers who are involved with this long-term project and they are all devastated by this mindless act of vandalism."

She added that the destroyed plants were due to be sold at the college's Christmas Fair at the end of the month with the proceeds invested back into the garden.

Ms Kitching added: "If anyone is willing to help in any way they can – by either donating bulbs or even helping to clear up the debris. Our staff and students would be eternally grateful."

A police spokeswoman said: "It is not known if anything has been stolen from the shed which was forced open. They made an untidy search and damaged some items."

It is believed that a group of youths were caught in the area by CCTV cameras over the weekend but it is not known whether they were responsible for the damage.

The area surrounding the college is popular with dog walkers and the garden is overlooked by both Scarborough Hospital and homes in Scalby Road.

Anyone with any information should contact Scarborough Police on 0845 6060247.

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