Callous thieves swiped objects from two open churches in Faversham.

Police are appealing for information after the thefts of the valuable items from the religious buildings.

In the first theft, a prayer table and a dark brown altar cross were taken from St Mary's Church in Luddenham.

The 850-year-old building - no longer a working church - is owned by the Churches Conservation Trust and is open during the day.

The thieves are believed to have swiped the items some time between March 16 and April 22.

"These are emotive callous thefts of items that effectively belong to the community" - PC Paul Whitehead

In a separate move, a solid oak lectern and crucifix went missing from St Bartholomew Church in Goodnestone between March 31 and April 1.

Investigating officer, PC Paul Whitehead of Kent Police, said: "These are emotive callous thefts of items that effectively belong to the community and mean a lot to those people.

"The items in question have been part of the church for a number of years and are clearly distinctive pieces of religious significance that would be instantly recognisable."

He urged anyone offered such items to contact the police. Call PC Whitehead on 101 quoting reference XY/12409/13. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.