Hungry cows have been sneaking into an allotment in Congresbury during the dead of night and feasting on gardeners' crops.

Gardeners who have allotments at the site just off Woodhill were left devastated after going to attend their plots this week to find their prize lettuces, turnips and cabbages had been gobbled.

Initially it was thought that some of the crops had been stolen, but on further investigation, teeth marks were discovered on some of the vegetables.

Neighbours had reported seeing cows in the allotment early in the morning chewing on the rows of home grown goodies.

Other evidence – including cow pats –have been found across the site, confirming to growers that the cows are the culprits.

The 78 allotments, which are managed by Congresbury Parish Council, have fencing and hedging around the perimeter and it is believed the cattle sneaked into the site through a gap near the main entrance gate, presumably in search of a midnight snack.