A park friends group has appealed for donations after thieves broke into a 'secret garden' used by cancer patients and stole vital tools.

Members of Cranford Park Friends have been working with volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support for two years to create a walled garden at the park, in The Parkway, Cranford.

But their efforts suffered a minor setback on March 9 when crooks stole gardening equipment including spades and forks from the garden, in the former kitchen courtyard of a historic country house.

The burglars also broke into the adjoining 18th century stable blocks, damaging three doors, and into St Dunstan's Church opposite the garden.

Bob Barton, secretary of the friends group, said: "They took about half a dozen items from the garden and we had more volunteers than tools on Sunday (April 13). We would be grateful if anyone can donate spare garden tools to replace the stolen items."

The secret garden at Cranford Park

Meanwhile, Mr Barton said repairs to the leaking roof of the stable block, funded by Hillingdon Council, have been completed.

The council has also set aside £25,000 for a feasibility study to support a Lottery bid for improvements to the park, and a steering group has been set up to put together an application.

"Winning a Lottery grant will be a long and complicated job but success could mean wonderful enhancements, of benefit to the whole community," said Mr Barton.

The secret garden is open to volunteers on the second Sunday of every month, from 10am to midday, with tools and refreshments provided.

Other upcoming events at the park include a free guided walk through the bluebell woods on Saturday, April 26, which will leave from the information centre at 11am.

* For more about the friends group and to donate tools, email Mr Barton at secretary@cranfordparkfriends.org