The congregation of Bearsted Methodist Church is spreading Christmas cheer by hiding hundreds of angels around the village.

A group of around 25 knitters have spent three months making 250 of the celestial creations, which have now been concealed for people to find.

A piece of paper is attached to each celestial being, which reads "please take me I'm free" and wishes the finder a happy Christmas.

The idea was lifted from a trend known as Christmas Angel, which started at a Methodist church in Northumberland four years ago.

Sue Byard, one of the co-ordinators of the project said: "We distributed 250 angels around Bearsted and within a couple of days the messages of appreciation from people in a variety of situations started to appear.

"Our aim is to share God's love and to bless the community in public places with a Christmas message."

Knitting had been underway for three months before the worshippers took to the streets to share some love.

Mrs Byard added: "We gave out the patterns to church members, family and friends back in September, about 25 people took part.

"Before we went out to distribute them we had a dedication service and prayed for all of those who would find them."

Residents have been taking to social media to share photos of their angels and stories about where they picked them up.

The figures have been found on the Green, at the Woodland Trust and even outside the Co-Op on Egremont Road.

Helen Notley, of Royston Road, was one of the lucky people who came across an angel.

She said: "Me and my children found one at the bus stop in Madginford Road.

"We took her home out of the rain and it made our day."

Rev'd Bonni-Belle Pickard, minister at the church said: "We want our village to be aware of God’s presence, especially during this Christmas season.

"Keep your eyes open for the angels and other signs of God at work in our midst."