Two men from north Essex have been charged after police found a large cannabis factory at an industrial unit in Suffolk.

Up to 1,000 plants at various stages of growth were said to have been discovered in the early hours of the morning on April 20 last year in Crockatt Road on Hadleigh’s Lady Lane industrial estate.

At the time police did not revealed the value of the Class B drug found but it was stated it would be worth a significant sum.

The discovery came after officers were sent to the area at around 3am on Saturday following reports of suspicious activity.

Laura Caulton, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said two people arrested during the 12-month inquiry have now been charged after they returned to Bury St Edmunds police investigation centre on Monday.

Philip Little, 57, of Whitlock Drive, Great Yeldham, near Sudbury, and Oliver Little, 24, of the same address, are accused of being concerned in the production of cannabis.

Oliver Little is also charged with possession of cannabis.

The men have been given bail until their first court appearance on the accusations.

They are now scheduled to appear before South East Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich on May 24.