A HOUSE-PROUD couple have been left reeling after a yob threw paint into their garden, destroying years of hard work.

Sharon Maxwell, 52, and husband Gordon, 76, woke on Tuesday morning to find plants, bushes, a tree, stone paving and fencing at the front of their home in Pilmuir Road covered in paint.

he incident occurred as the pair slept but it has been captured on cctv, which has now been passed on to the police.

The couple said they had spent a large amount of time and money renovating the Higher Croft property since they moved in five years ago and were shocked by the random attack.

Mrs Maxwell said: "I nearly cried when I saw the state of the garden, even though this is sadly a sign of the times.

“We don't have a lot of money and everything we have we've put into making our house as nice as possible.

"My husband has medical conditions and we don't go out very often. That's why we wanted a lovely garden to sit in when the weather is nice, but that's been ruined now.

"I've had to cut a small tree down, pull out some flowers and move the heavy stone paving. Some of the paint won't come off and it looks terrible compared to its usual condition.

"Our home is next to a field and I can only think that the person who did this thought we were an easy target."

Pensioner Mr Maxwell, who is cared for by his wife full time, said: "All we want is peace and quiet.

“Some people seem intent on tormenting others and there is no need for this kind of behaviour."

The vandal was spotted by a dog walker and is described as a tall white male, aged 14 to 18, wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and a jacket.

Community police officer Tom Sanford asked anyone with information to come forward immediately.

He said: "This type of mindless vandalism will not be tolerated and the police will endeavour to find out who is responsible. We appeal to anyone who could help to call 0845 125 3545."