THE mystery behind the cowpats that appeared on a Maidstone playing field is a step closer to being solved. Several drivers have responded to an appeal in last week's Kent Messenger asking for information about the appearance of cowpats in a football pitch in Allington.

It would appear cloven-hooved beasts are straying from a field behind the Park and Ride car park on the A20 London Road and heading for pastures new - owned by the Allington Community Association, Castle Road.

Ethna Westgate, of Hermitage Lane, Aylesford, was driving home with her husband last Wednesday evening (12), when they saw 20 cows meandering across the busy road.

More than a dozen cars were forced to stop for more than five minutes while the mixed herd diced with death as it crossed the road.

"It was amazing," said Mrs Westgate. "They sauntered gaily across the road. There was no human supervisor - they did it all on their own.

"They obviously decided that the grass was greener on the other side of the A20."

Another driver said she saw three of four cows wandering along the side of the road at around the same time.

The cowpats were discovered by Sue Ricketts, of Grace Avenue, Allington, while she was out walking her dog last Thursday morning. She also reported seeing tyre marks in the grass.

She said: "They had obviously had a good scant around. Somebody was with them because there were food tablets around as if they were trying to gather them up again. Idon't think it was malicious."

Maidstone police said they knew nothing about the incident.