Thieves have stolen a vehicle that was “part of the family” from Buttercups Goat Sanctuary in Maidstone.

The charity, which cares for hundreds of goats, now has to raise £15,000 to replace a Land Rover Defender it has owned since 1997.

Founder Bob Hitch said: “We depend on this Land Rover to operate.

"It's part of the family. We need it to collect hay, visit goats in foster homes and when collecting them up and down the country."

Former Maidstone and The Weald MP Ann Widdecombe is patron of the charity.

She said: "I'm very sorry this has happened. They're a lovely charity relying only on donations and volunteers.

"It's a huge amount of money to raise. All the time they're having to raise it they're not raising the money needed just to keep going."

Alarms warned of intruders at the Boughton Monchelsea sanctuary at around 9.30pm on Saturday.

CCTV footage shows the moment thieves drove out of the sanctuary.

Mr Hitch said: "They must've known what they were doing to get it started.

"They've driven through three sets of double gates. It must have damaged the vehicle as well."

In desperate need of a new 4x4, the sanctuary has set up a fundraising page, hoping to raise around £15,000.

Mr Hitch, who founded charity in 1989, said: "The Land Rover was the perfect car for us as it had the room for goats, medical equipment or for collecting hay.

"We have around 40 acres of land, we need a vehicle that can get across the fields in the winter.

"The insurance will only cover about £2,000, we've dipped into the reserves as well but we're appealing for help.

"Pennies make pounds so any donation will help.

"We're going to have to address our security system, last time we did that it cost £1,600. We've had to order new gates and that's cost us £500."

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary has 140 goats living on site and also performs medical checks on 130 goats in foster homes up and down the country.

To donate to its appeal, click here.

Kent Police confirmed it was investigating the theft of a black Land Rover Defender, licence plate P663 LKK.

A spokesman said: "Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 18-1750."

For more news from around Maidstone, click here.