A MILL owner is appealing for help to catch vandals who caused more than £30,000 of damage to his business.

More than a hundred reinforced windows in the roof of Manor Mill, Hallam Road, Nelson and a large area of roofing material were damaged in the attack which over the Easter weekend.

Owner Chris Blackadder said the vandals had also caused a large amount of stock in the warehouse to be damaged when it rained.

The mill is the base of Howarth's of Nelson, a textile business which has been running since 1927. The business is in the process of moving from its former base in Boundary Mill, Nelson.

Mr Blackadder, 50, who lives in Colne, said: "This is not the best of starts for us at our new base. It seems these people have somehow got on to the roof and have pulled off some of the slates which they have then thrown through the windows.

"Much of the stock below has also been ruined because of the weekend rain and the fact that it was covered in glass.

"They obviously went to a lot of effort to cause this amount of damage and I would appeal for any help people can give the police to catch them."

The damage was discovered by a driver reporting for work on Monday morning and reported to the police.

PC Susan Main said: "A significant amount of damage has been caused by what appears to be an act of mindless vandalism.

"We are obviously very keen to catch whoever is responsible for the damage and would urge anyone with any information to contact either Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or local police on 01282 425001."