Therapy classes for people with dangerous heart conditions were cancelled when a defibrillator was taken from a leisure centre.

The life-saving machine went missing from White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley putting a fitness class for cardiac rehabilitation patients at risk of being scrapped.

The equipment will cost around £1,000 to replace.

The classes are now back on but they are having to borrow a defibrillator from another centre in Sevenoaks.

Sue Larken, a cardiac fitness instructor who runs Take Heart at the centre, is pleading for the return of the gear which has been used to save lives on previous occasions.

She said: “I just couldn’t believe that someone would do this. I got quite angry because of the inconvenience it had caused me and my classes. It affected my whole working week.

“I am having to borrow one at the moment because we need it and they don’t run a cardiac class at the centre we are borrowing it from. I was hoping that maybe the person who took it might return it – even if they just post it or leave it on a bench in the changing rooms. It would be brilliant.

“I don’t care about the person in respect of the fact that they stole it, I just want it back.”

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Kent Police was called following the reported theft of a defibrillator from the gym at White Oak Leisure Centre in Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, between 8am and 8pm on Sunday 15 March.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference YY/5227/15.”

Take Heart was set up for anyone suffering from a heart condition who wants to try and keep fit and strengthen their cardiovascular fitness.

The class involves gentle exercises where everyone is able to work at a pace best for them.

Mrs Larken added: “Everyone in my classes has some sort of heart problem and they are obviously at high risk of having to use the equipment. So I have to have it in my class as a reassurance.

“I have been running the classes for eight to nine years... It’s a very social group and for some it’s the only time they get to meet and chat to other people.”

Call White Oak Leisure Centre on 01322 662188 and ask for Sue Larken.