Residents in River have shown their community spirit by raising cash to replace raided flower beds.

Thieves vandalised the beds on Monday night and stole the plants just a week after they were painstakingly planted by volunteers for River in Bloom.

Members of the parish council spent hours planting hydrangeas for the pretty display before they were uprooted.

Clive Taylor, chairman of the parish council, who also helped plant the flowers said: “Our initial feeling was that we would abandon the scheme but in the last 24 hours the word has got round. There has been a tremendous and unprecedented outpouring of support. One is financial and one is offers of help.”

It is believed two men were spotted in a 4x4 vehicle removing the plants opposite Meadow Dean by the river in the village.

This information has been passed to the police who are now investigating.

When resident Robert Nicholas realised the flower bed had been ruined, he set up a Crowdfund page for the community to donate money to replace them.

So far it has surpassed its goal with £220.

Mr Taylor said: “We can’t remember anything quite like it. We will replace the flowers and shrubs and continue with the scheme. I hope this might shame the people who have done this.”

'I hope this might shame the people who have done this.' - Mr Nicholas

Dee Horobin, volunteer and parish councillor said: “I think it’s just amazing that the community has got behind us and pledged this money. It just shows what a lovely community spirit we have got in the village.”

Mr Nicholas who started the donations, said: “I have lived in River for over 30 years.

“It angers me when people work hard to improve the village to make it a better place to live in or visit, and then others come along and destroy that good work with no thought for anyone else.”

The council also plans to place more flower beds at various points around the village and any volunteers who would like to help are welcome to get involved.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing. Any witnesses can contact us on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/022286/15.”