A giant pumpkin weighing more than 100lb has been stolen from an allotment looked after by people with learning difficulties.

Members of Avondale Day Centre in Hove have been growing the enormous squashes for the last few years to raise money for charity.

But this year thieves broke into their allotment on Weald Avenue, off Old Shoreham Road, knocked down the hand-built fence and stole the prize pumpkin.

Centre workers are mystified as to how the thieves managed to cart the vast vegetable away as it was so heavy.

David Muddiman, who works at the centre, said: "We're all shocked anyone would do something like this.

"The thieves would have needed a van to take the pumpkin away - it would not have been easy.

"Each year we have a guess-the-weight-of-the- pumpkin competition through our local newsagents and money raised goes to help the centre. We won't be able to do that this year.

"It's a serious matter - these people have committed criminal damage and theft and should be brought to justice."

Tommy Hannam, who attends the centre and is in charge of the fences around the plot, said: "I was very upset. I put a lot of work into building the fence and helping to grow the pumpkin.

"These people don't realise the sadness they've caused to me and my friends."

Why the pumpkins grow so big is also a mystery.

Development worker Annie King said: "A few years ago we planted some seeds and over the last couple of years they've just taken off.

"We don't know why they grow so big as everything is organic, with no fertilisers. There must be something about the plot."

Centre members have carved a second pumpkin, half the size of the one stolen, and are making pumpkin pie, bread and even wine from the pulp which will be sold to raise money for the centre.

The allotment is used every day by different groups.

It is one of a number of projects run by the day centre, which is part of the Grace Eyre Foundation charity.

Police are investigating the theft, which took place over the weekend of October 18 and 19.

A woman's black handbag was found hanging on the fence.

Inspector Mark Powles, of Hove police station, said: "I was disappointed and saddened to hear about the theft. The members of the centre are only trying to do their bit for charity.

"Whoever took the pumpkin should be ashamed of themselves."

Anyone with information should telephone Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.