A HEARTBROKEN couple due to marry this summer had thousands of pounds worth of treasured items for their big day stolen from their home.

School sweethearts Luke Thomas, 25, and Rachel Davison, 24, were devastated to discover that a wedding ring, bridal jewellery and gifts for the wedding party were taken when their flat in High Street, Charing, near Ashford, was raided.

The pair, who met at Homewood School and have been together for nine years, will tie the knot at Charing Church in August.

But they have spoken of how the run-up to what should be the happiest day of their life has been ruined.

Mr Thomas said: "We are so upset. The things stolen must have been worth around £4,500. It is such a stressful and expensive time anyway. Rachel even talked about putting off the wedding but we didn’t really want to do that."

Miss Davison’s custom-made gold wedding ring was worth around £700 and her hand-picked pearls had huge sentimental value. The groom’s shoes, which cost £130 and were bought on a recent family holiday to America, were also stolen as well as a laptop and personal organiser with arrangements for the big day.

Mr Thomas added: "Rachel is talking about moving because she feels unsettled but we won’t let it ruin our big day."