A popular mini railway defiantly vowed "it's not the end of the line" after thieves ripped up 120ft of track making off with its aluminium metal at Maidstone's Mote Park.

Thousands of people enjoy the little railway, which stages fun family rides in addition to raising money for charity.

The outrageous act generated a wave of public condemnation from the public on Facebook as a police hunt for the thieves got underway.

"I was in tears when I saw the damage done," said Sue Parham, an official of Maidstone Model Engineering Society.

"The club has been overwhelmed by messages of support."

She said: "The metal stolen can be of little value, but the repairs will take time. That means the railway will be able to run only a very restricted service on Sunday afternoons for the next few weeks while members work hard to replace the track.

"This of course will mean fewer rides are available for children."

"It's heart-breaking looking at the damage. People who do things like this achieve nothing for the community, just destruction..." - Andrew Hulse

Some 120 feet of line, valued at £200, was stolen from the track which is about a third of a mile long.

The society, which opened to the public in 1951, has around 100 members and runs a variety of mini locomotives - diesel, petrol, steam and electric. In normal circumstances, eight locos can run on the track at any time.

Officials are hoping the public will turn up this Sunday afternoon as a show of support when trains will run from 2.30 to 5pm.

Andrew Hulse, spokesman for the society, said: "It's not the end of the line for us. We still have 1,600 feet of track left.

"Offers of support from the community has been phenomenal. When we run this Sunday donations will be most welcome.

"It's heart-breaking looking at the damage. People who do things like this achieve nothing for the community, just destruction."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We are investigating. It is being treated as criminal damage."

People with information can phone police on 101 or CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.