Police unexpectedly discovered a cannabis factory in a flat in Frogmore Street, Abergavenny during the Bank Holiday weekend after the charity shop below was flooded and all its stock destroyed.

Dawn Jones, assistant manager of the Cats’ Protection shop called at the premises on Sunday morning to find part of the ceiling collapsed and water pouring in.

An emergency plumber was contacted and Gwent police were called to break into the flat and turn off the water supply.

Inspector Arwel Hicks said 60 cannabis plants, with associated lighting, heating and irrigation, were found spread between five rooms in the building’s two upper storeys.

Inquiries are still on-going and no arrests have been made.

The plants, which were being grown in specially-made tents which would have masked any smell, have been removed and destroyed.

Shop manager Julie Sijenje said, “Because of the damage we will have to close for three or four weeks to allow the builders to repair the ceiling.

“We will have to replace not only the ceiling but also the flooring. Most of the goods in the shop were badly damaged, things like books and jigsaws will have to be throw away, but we are hoping to salvage some of the clothes. Our volunteers will wash and iron them.

“We take between £1,200 - £1,500 a week so our takings will be down by around £6,000.”

Glynis Davies, the co-ordinator of the Gwent branch of the charity said the loss of income was a huge blow.

“We have more than 40 cats and kittens in care at the moment, and even more on the waiting list.

“Our veterinary bills are enormous and so is our food bill so we are appealing for donations from members of the public to tide us over while the shop is closed.

“Anyone who would like to donate can contact us via PO Box 623, Newport, NP20 3ZX or via the Gwent CP website.”