IT has been hailed by TV makeover shows and estate agents alike, but now experts are warning gardeners that decking could be harbouring a new plague.

The current edition of Amateur Gardening magazine tells readers that the space underneath timber decking is proving a breeding ground for rats.

Thousands of Britons have installed trendy wooden decks in their back gardens as a low-maintenance alternative to the lawn in recent years.

But the magazine warned that the trend for decking was working hand in hand with changes in rubbish collection patterns to boost the UK's rat population which is estimated at 60 million - one for every human resident.

"For gardeners with timber decking, dealing with a modern-day plague of rats taking up residence under decks is proving a costly and complicated headache," said television gardener Christine Walkden. "I am visiting more households with decking that has become a home to rats. It is because decks provide rats with shelter and a dry home."