Cannabis plants discovered in dense woodland are thought to have been a drugs stash.

Police found 13 cannabis plants growing in pots in a wood just yards from Britannia playing fields in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood, following a tip-off from a member of the public.

Police say they believe the four-and-a-half-foot tall plants, which are around seven weeks old and have a street value of £2,000, had been hidden there to mature in the recent hot weather by drug growers thinking they would not be discovered.

PC Kath Parker, who tracked down the plants, said: 'They probably started off in somebody's house and they put them out in the good weather which would have helped them grow.

'They were well hidden in a copse in the wood and whoever grew them probably didn't think they would be found.

'It is an unusual find because they are normally in a different atmosphere under lamps.'

Anyone who has information about who may be responsible for growing the plants should contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.