A couple are appealing for information after a distinctive lead drain pipe - more than 100 years old - was stolen from their home.

Emily and Julian Polyblank woke up to find the pipe had been removed from their Grade II listed house, Old Church School, in The Street, Shadoxhurst overnight.

The pipe is square in shape and has Roman numerals carved onto it and a gargoyle head at the bottom where the water runs out.

It is part of the original house - which was built in 1846.

The drain pipe was taken on the night of Monday, March 18.

Mrs Polyblank, 51, said: "We did wonder if we heard something in the night, but thought it might have been the dogs.

"Our walls are two foot thick and made of stone anyway, so blocks sound out.

"We've asked the neighbours and no one heard anything or saw anything. We checked the rest of the house and it doesn't seem like any other lead is missing.

"We think it was an easy target because it was low to the ground.

"It would be lovely to get it back and put back where it belongs. We wanted to make an appeal in case anyone spots it."

An investigation has now been launched.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police received a report at 11.34am on Tuesday, March 19 that a drainpipe has been removed from a building in The Street in Shadoxhurst at some point during the previous night.

"Enquiries are ongoing."