Scrap metal dealers have been put on alert after thieves stole silver worth £60,000 from a church.

The haul of distinctive silverware - including a chalice and a silver bread box - were swiped from Christ Church in Beaver Road, Ashford.

Now police are asking specialist dealers, auction houses and even scrap merchants in a bid to trace the stolen goods.

Among the items taken in the burglary, between July 22 and 23, were a large silver tankard, three silver plates, a silver cup with a lid, three silver chalices... and batteries!

The thieves are believed to have entered the church through an unlocked wooden door before then forcing one of four locked glass doors.

They then raided two safes in the vestry - even stealing from the church's collection box.

Detective Constable Kane Clifford said: 'This is a vile desecration of a sacred building.

"The stolen items are not only valuable but, more importantly, they have a place in the hearts of the people who use them.

"They are used in christenings, weddings and funerals as well as church services and have a great deal of sentimental value within the local community.

'The silverware is quite distinctive and we appeal to those who deal in antiques, metal and collectibles to be on the look out for this precious silverware.

"In addition, if anyone saw any suspicious activity in or around the church at the time of the burglary or has any information that they think may help us we would like to hear from you by calling 101 and report reference number ZY/20240/12.'