A POPULAR and long-standing outdoor art exhibition has been cancelled this year after thieves and vandals wrecked the exhibition site.

Scarborough Art Society was due to display works of art for sale in the Sunken Gardens from August 12 to 29, but the Society’s large storage unit was forcefully entered, according to the organisers.

A new 7’x5’ storage hut for keeping paintings secure overnight during the exhibition was stolen.

In addition some display cubicles were fire-damaged.

Stand-supporting steel poles are missing and two free-standing easels advertising the exhibition have also disappeared.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "It has proved impossible to execute repairs and replacement in time for the Society’s main annual fund-raising source.

"This has come as a blow to the members as 2017 was to have been a happy commemoration of the group’s 80th year."

A police spokesperson said: "Police were called at around 3.50pm on Wednesday, August 9 to reports of a break-in at a storage unit in the Eastfield area of Scarborough. 

"Several large items had been taken, including easels, scaffolding poles and a flat-pack shed. 

"The owner had not visited the unit recently and it is therefore not clear when the thefts took place. 

"Anyone with information about the incident should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1.

"Please quote reference number 12170140752 when passing on information."