MORE than 150 scarecrows have been demolished by vandals in Kent.

The scarecrows - known as Hei People - had been set up at Cowstead Farm, near Queenborough, as an art project.

Created by Finnish artist Reijo Kela, the figures are created from wood and straw, and are dressed in clothes from charity shops.

There was an official launch party for the display on Friday night. But on Saturday morning all but one of the Hei People had been knocked over and smashed.

Farmer Paul Johnson, who owns the land on which they were set up, described the destruction as "mindless vandalism".

"People make an effort to do something creative and their efforts are ruined by a minority of vandals," he said.

Previously, Hei People on display at Fort Amherst, in Chatham, were destroyed, and some were thrown into the River Medway. The Sheppey figures were to have been given black arm bands in memory of their fallen comrades.

Meanwhile, two headless figures said to be Hei People have turned up at the Medway Messenger offices at Strood, strapped to the fencing. A message pinned to them says they come from a display at Shorne, and calls for them to be given protection.