A DISTRAUGHT son has condemned thieves who stole items from his mother’s grave twice in two weeks.

Mike Page has regularly tended his mother Kathleen's grave in St Mary’s Church graveyard, West Malling, since her death in January 2000, aged 79.

But two weeks ago, the 62-year-old landlord of The Ship pub, Sittingbourne, was shocked to find that the candle he had kept burning for six years in her memory had been taken.

He replaced the candle but it was stolen again.

A stunned Mr Page said: "It’s been so upsetting. We’d kept the lantern going constantly – every family member changed it when they visited the churchyard.

"I’ve no idea why they’ve done it. Anyone who can steal from my mother’s grave is the lowest of the low."

Mr Page said his 91-year-old father, Richard Page, who lives at nearby St Mary’s Court residential home and visits his wife’s grave every day, had been particularly affected by the thefts.

"He was married to my mother for 63 years and the memory of the love they shared is what’s keeping him going."

Mr Page said he could only speculate over who had carried out the crime, adding: "It’s pure guesswork – I only know a lot of people walk back through the graveyard after drinking in the High Street."

A Maidstone and Malling Police spokeswoman confirmed the incidents were under investigation but that there were currently no witnesses to the thefts. Anyone with information should contact police on 01622 604181.