The manager of a preschool playgroup has condemned the heartless thieves who stole the group's Wendy house.

Rachel Clements, 53, said the theft of the pint-sized playhouse from the St Luke's Playgroup in Foley Street last night is all the more upsetting as it was bought through donations made after the death of Lesley Baker, a staff member who lost her battle with breast cancer in February aged 50.

Mrs Clements said: "I came in about eight this morning and found it had been taken. They took all the toys that were in the house and left them on the grass.

"When Lesley died her family had asked people to not donate money to cancer but to the preschool. Lesley was a good friend to all of us, it is very upsetting."

"I am not quite sure if I can put into words how I or the other staff feel. There is no polite way to describe what these people did.

"It is heartless."

St Luke's Playgroup is a registered charity that has been caring for children between two and five in Maidstone since 1964.The playhouse is wooden and about 4ft wide.

The theft is thought to have occurred sometime late on Thursday night (October 15) or early this morning. Thieves gained access through the unlocked gate to the church garden.

Anyone with any information about the theft can contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference number YY/20766/15. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.