Police have closed a cannabis factory worth £80,000.

It was the second to be found in the Faversham area within a week.

More than 550 plants and four kilos of dried cannabis leaves which were ready for distribution were seized in the 10am raid on a smallholding in Throwley Forstal Road, Throwley Forstal, on April 30.

A 59-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.

He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

The electricity meter at the site had been bypassed.

Police say that despite shutting down the biggest cannabis factory ever to be discovered in Mid Kent a week earlier, that this type of criminal activity is uncommon in the area.

A tip-off had led officers to the factory just off Seed Road, Newnham.

When they arrived they found £300,000 worth of the drug, with 2,200 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.

PC Dave Mahon said: "Cannabis factories are relatively rare in this area, but we want to send a clear warning to anyone thinking about setting up similar factories, that even though this is a rural area, we will find out and we will close you down.

"We want to ensure our communities are free from drugs and would encourage residents to contact us if they have any concerns or suspicions that drugs are being grown in their neighbourhood."

The police can be contacted on 01795 433004 or by email atfaversham.community@kent.pnn.police.uk