VANDALS who caused hundreds of pounds-worth of damage to a horticultural project in Rawtenstall are being advised to smile - for the security cameras!

Whinberry Woods Horticultural Project helps adults with learning difficulties improve their lives.

It is based on land off Corporation Street, Rawtenstall, and in its six years has become a valuable amenity for its clients and the neighbourhood.

In December, a polytunnel was slashed causing £700-worth of damaged and that had only just been replaced when the vandals struck again.

They smashed fences, broke into two sheds, cut down two trees, kicked a breeze block building apart and scrawled graffiti on the buildings.

Horticultural project manager Stuart Collinge said: "The police have been brilliant and have said they will increase patrols in the area and will also bring a mobile camera into the area to check on any problems.

"I will also be coming out at weekends and evenings with my video camera and stills camera and I am determined to catch the culprits.

"I am putting up posters saying smile -- you may be on CCTV!"

The centre caters for 25 to 27 clients with eight in a morning and eight in an afternoon and is funded by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust and some clients who attend privately pay a contribution.

Stuart said: "The damage to the site was about £300, but it is not the financial cost, it is the emotional aspect.

"These people have spent a lot of time working on the project and making this place what it is."