AN 87-year-old man who was visiting his wife's grave on the anniversary of her death discovered that vandals had smashed headstones and caused other damage to a Kent cemetery.

Ornaments and stained glass chapel windows had also been broken at the site in Springhead Road, Northfleet.

The vandals are thought to have struck over the weekend and repairs to the chapel are estimated to cost in the region of £5,000.

The cemetery is owned by Gravesham Borough Council. Council leader Cllr David Turner said: "This senseless vandalism has obviously caused great distress to those who visit the cemetery and who rightly expect the sanctity of the site to be respected.

"We are working with the police to ensure the people who committed these despicable acts are caught and punished."

* Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01322 283096 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.