Vandals ran riot through a couple's dream garden and destroyed it days before they planned to celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary in it.

John and Lilian Futcher awoke to find potted plants emptied into the fish pond, trellis pulled down, shrubs ripped up and even the garden hose sliced in two.

The Futchers, who are both disabled, had spent 11 years creating their perfect garden at their home in Denham Road, Burgess Hill.

They had planned to spend their 40th wedding anniversary tomorrow at home with family members.

But, because of the devastation, Mrs Futcher has cancelled the get-together.

Mrs Futcher, 57, said the damage would probably run into thousands of pounds but the emotional distress was even worse.

She said: "It was our pride and joy.

"I have osteo-arthritis, asthma and a heart problem so I could only do a little of the garden at a time.

"When we moved here 11 years ago it was a right tip, but we gradually got it up to how we wanted.

"The people that did this are sick, totally sick."

Very little in the Futchers' back garden was left untouched in the attack in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Many of the plants uprooted were bought as presents for Mr and Mrs Futcher from friends and family ahead of their anniversary. The couple's main party will be held next weekend and is fortunately unaffected by the vandalism.

However the filter system for the couple's pond, which contains around 70 fish including koi carp, was broken in the attack. Mrs Futcher said this alone would cost £200 to replace and in the meantime fish could die as the water quality deteriorates.

She added: "We heard nothing during the night but there must have been a gang of them. I first saw the garden at 6.20am when I let the cat out. At first I just thought a few pots had been overturned - it hadn't dawned on me just what had happened.

"It is not covered by insurance and we cannot afford to replace the garden."

Mr Futcher, who is 69 years old and also has a heart condition, was also devastated.

He said: "The only thing that we can think of is that someone did not like our garden because it was nice and they were jealous or because we are on the residents' association."

Local councillor Ann Jones said: "It is shocking. Both Mr and Mrs Futcher are disabled and they have worked very hard on this garden."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Police officers attended the scene and a scenes of crime officer also attended. There are various lines of enquiry we are pursuing.

"There is a wider issue about crime on Denham Road. I believe Ann Jones is arranging a meeting with the relevant agencies to discuss these wider implications and the police will of course be involved."