A minister from Kingsnorth was dismayed after would-be thieves vandalised a holly bush in the church grounds.

The huge holly tree at St Michael and All Angels Parish Church, in Church Hill, was badly damaged by vandals last week.

It is thought that the hooligans were trying to steal the holly but were unsuccessful when a neighbour distracted them. They then ran off, leaving the sprigs littered all over the ground.

Canon Sheila McLachlan said: “Sadly they ripped the tree to shreds but as they were disturbed left the holly. The tree looked a bit sad the next day.

“At first we didn’t know the full extent of the damage because it was dark but whoever did it ripped the branches off it.”

All was not lost however, as some of the holly left behind was sold on Saturday at the Kingsnorth Christmas fair, which was held at Kingsnorth Primary School.

Canon McLachlan added: “We did sell the holly at the fair but we would far rather have retained our once beautiful holly tree.”

“It is one of those things. We did report it to our Police Community Support Officer.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.