Officers acting on a tip-off also recovered "professional equipment" used to grow the plants and subsequently, arrested a 56-year-old local man.

The man was released on bail after being interviewed by police. Sgt Steve Pearse, of the Ryedale Safer Neighbourhood Team, praised the community for sharing the information and said it was a prime example of how the police and public could work together to ensure Ryedale remains a safe place to live.

"All reports received from the public are welcomed and will be evaluated and collated in the hope that positive action such as this warrant can be taken.

''In this way we hope to improve public confidence in the work of the police."

PC Andy Marsden, safer neighbourhood officer for Thornton-le-Dale, said: I am very pleased with this result, which takes a significant amount of cannabis out of the public domain and prevents it being sold or distributed to others."