Vandals who have been repeatedly attacking a pensioner's greenhouse are putting a charity fundraising event in jeopardy.

Eric and Sheila Jones, of Providence Row, Baildon, say their greenhouse has been smashed six times in as many weeks by youths gathering in a privately-owned car park behind their house.

Police have promised to increase patrols in the village in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour and catch the culprits.

The couple, who are retired florists and market gardeners, use the greenhouse to grow plants for an annual garden party to raise money for a donkey sanctuary in Devon.

Now they may have to cancel the fundraiser, due to be held in May, because of the time and cost of repairing the damage.

The event, which has been running for about seven years, usually raises between £800 and £1,000 for the charity, which also supports Riding for the Disabled.

Mrs Jones said: "This is terribly hurtful and upsetting. We have got to the point where there is no point in replacing the glass anymore.

"We feel permanently vulnerable. We have been here 40 years and never had any problems before." Some of the attacks have occurred when either Mr or Mrs Jones was in the greenhouse, but so far no-one has been hurt.

The couple say police have been very helpful and their neighbours have kept an eye out for the culprits but no-one has been caught.

They are now considering dismantling the greenhouse and installing a high fence instead - a measure they are reluctant to take.

Mr Jones added: "They are just undermining our whole way of life."

Police have promised to target the area with police and police community support officer patrols in a bid to catch the culprits.

A spokesman said: "We are also working with other agencies to divert young people away from anti-social and criminal behaviour."

The need for more activities for young people in Baildon was highlighted in its urban village action plan published in December.

The Baildon Futures Partnership, which produced the plan, allocated £19,000 to provide and support youth and community facilities in Baildon in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour constructively. It also urged the Shipley Anti-Crime Partnership and the police to allocate funds towards intergenerational work in the village to break down the barriers between the older and younger population.