A COMMUNITY garden wrecked by vandals has been overwhelmed with donations and offers of help.

Hooligans broke into Grozone Community Garden at Old Dane Nurseries, torched a yurt and smashed a urinal and sink in the accessible toilets.

The colourful Grozone lion was also extensively damaged as a trail of destruction was left behind over the weekend of October 13 and 14.

Yet in just six days £1,493 was raised by wellwishers and individuals, schools, businesses and tradesmen have offered to repair the damage.

Grozone manager Andy Martin said: "We've been blown away by the kind heartedness of our community and the love that has been shown for Grozone.

"The generosity of individuals and local organisations really shows how valued our community garden is.

"Grozone helps hundreds of people in the local community to make positive connections. The main reason why many people get involved is for the therapeutic benefits it brings to them."

Incensed residents vented their rage about the attack on social media.

Graeme Lloyd posted: "I can't believe this. Why would anybody want to destroy such a beautiful community environment that helps so many."

Tara Roden said: "So angry that individuals can do this. This is a project where many vulnerable people can go without judgement. I hope whoever is responsible is caught and made an example of. "

Debika Mukherjee added: "Such mindless vandalism! Very sad but I'm sure the Northwich community will rise to the occasion and help out in many ways."

The garden is now up and running again, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and wellwishers.

Grozone development officer Caroline Rose said: "We have cleared up so it is all safe now.

"The response we have received is incredible. It does make you feel what it means to be part of the community. It has been absolutely wonderful.

"A gentleman who mends the fibreglass bees in Manchester when they get broken has offered to fix our lion and artists have offered to paint him."

The Grozone lion was lovingly created by volunteers as part of the Pride of Rudheath campaign.

Simon Tait, from Drain Doctor Cheshire, who offered to renew the toilet facilities free of charge, said: "This has shocked us to think some fools could do this. We will get it sorted."

Victoria Road Primary School hope to organise a fundraising event.

Karen Roberts from the school said: "Grozone have been fantastic with Victoria Road Primary School over the past few months. Such sad news and must be heartbreaking for staff, volunteers and all who benefit from this beatiful space.

More than 1,500 volunteers have registered as volunteers since the project started in 2008.

To donate visit GoFundMe.com/grozone-community-garden.

Anyone with information about the break-in should call police on 101 and quote reference number 212884.