Joy-riders in 4x4s have damaged a memorial cross dedicated to the Fallen from two world wars.

The Lenham Memorial Cross was only re-dedicated in September, after extensive renovation to mark its centenary.

But joy-riders have damaged the cross – one of Kent's distinctive landmarks on the North Downs – while riding around on the freshly fallen snow on Monday.

Cllr John Britt, chairman of Lenham Parish Council, said: "We are so angry. This is awful after so much hard work was done by everybody."

The vandals forced their way through a hedge to gain access to the field which is home to the listed war memorial, by-passing recent measures taken by the parish and the landowner to make the field more secure.

Cllr Andy Ratcliffe said: "The tracks seem to be vehicle-width rather than quad bike gauge.

"There were some extensive 4x4 tyre tracks with a heavy gauge tread along Pilgrims Way."

He said: "It was plain that repeated trafficking and turning had been taking place."

A witness reported seeing three vehicles, one a blue Mitsubishi.

The vehicles had not entered the field at the new gates, but had moved into the upper field above the Pilgrims Way by driving up a bank.

Cllr Ratcliffe said: "It appears that they did a series of circuits and ‘doughnuts’, as well as repeated circuits of the cross."

The damage to the chalk cross cannot be fully assessed until the snow melts.

The police have been informed and are carrying out inquiries through the Rural Task Force.