STARTING up their own catering business was a lifetime goal for an couple who have been left devastated after their prized potato oven worth thousands of pounds was pinched.

Faye Chadwick and her husband David, paid £6,500 for the mobile oven which was taken from a unit they rent at Leacon Farm in Westwell Leacon, Charing, between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Now the couple, who live in Roman Road, Aldington, near Ashford, fear for the fate of their Kentish catering business, called Piggybank Farm, which they have been running full-time for a year.

“We had to borrow and save to buy the oven and worked so hard to get it and we feel completely kicked in the teeth,” said Mrs Chadwick.

“We are meant to be doing a wedding for 150 people at the weekend and we have had to hire in equipment which has cost us hundreds of pounds.

“The company which makes them don’t make that many a year and it was only just over a year old.”

The couple are now having to find what could be an extra £2,000 to replace the traditional oven which they take to private parties and local events.

Mrs Chadwick, said: “We are keeping our eyes open for it but Kent is such a prime location for something like this, it could be anywhere. t is a terrible start to the new year and for what is still a new business.”

The oven is black, 6ft long and 7ft high with a large brass bell on top and 'pickwick oven’, 'hot potatoes’ and 'Piggybank Farm’ in gold lettering on the sides.

Police are asking anyone who has any information regarding the whereabouts of the oven to call 01233 896181.

A Honda quad bike worth £600, which did not belong to the couple, was also stolen.