by Helen Fairley

A nursery is facing a repair bill of around £3,000 after thieves stole lead worth just £100.

Pennies Day Nursery on Hockers Lane was targeted over the weekend of December 4 to 6 when thieves stripped lead from one section of the roof, including around an upstairs window.

The nursery had almost finished a complete refurbishment and the theft left water leaking into a newly painted hallway.

Manager Trudi Mayes(pictured) said: "We have been told that around £100 worth of lead was stolen, but our repair bill will run to around £3,000. We made immediate arrangements for a temporary repair but this kind of thoughtless and petty action is annoying when we are doing our best to offer a good service. We will put the damage right but I think everyone here would be glad if the culprits were caught."

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact Maidstone police on 01622 690690.