� Neighbours on an estate are rallying around to restore a garden to its former glory after vandals destroyed the work of a dedicated pensioner.

Daniel Hunt, 24, is leading the group working on the garden in Cluse Court, on the Packington estate, Islington, but is in desperate need of extra manpower and around �500 to �700 in funding.

For some 30 years a local pensioner, who did not want to be named, has tended the garden and dedicated it to his late wife who died several years ago.

The thugs also burnt a bench installed in her memory and the man is now too ill to do any further work.

Mr Hunt decided to swing into action after seeing how devastated the attack left his elderly neighbour.

He said: “Before he turned it into a garden it was just this derelict space which people used to dump stuff in and even in the state it is now, it is still lovely compared to what it was.

“It means an awful lot to give something back to him because of all the work he’s done for the community over the years.”

Mr Hunt continued: “My main priority is getting funding for plants and replacing the bench but I do need help too. I started work a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been out there every evening for a good couple of hours after finishing work.

“Lots of people have been helping already, even little kids. The youngest has been two years old and he’s been out there with his little shovel.

“I don’t want to give up on it – if I had the money I would pay for it out of my own pocket, but I just don’t.”

Anyone who can help Mr Hunt should call him on 07535 037999 or email danielhunt316@hotmail.co.uk