The dad of one of the schoolboy yobs who vandalised a 12th century church – causing thousands of pounds worth of damage – has spoken of his "disgust".

Terry Watson was horrified when he spotted his 14-year-old son on social media wreaking havoc at St Helen's Church in Cliffe.

The 39-year-old lorry driver immediately called him at the home he shares with his mum in the village to vent his anger after seeing the gang smash ancient stained glass windows with missiles.

His mother and Terry's ex-wife Alethia was equally horrified and has apologised to the church warden for the reckless behaviour.

After video footage of the rampage was posted on KentOnline and other social media, Terry identified himself as the parent of one of the six boys.

He said: "What he did was inexcusable and he knows he's bang to rights and will have to face the consequences. But he's not a bad kid and never been in trouble.

"His mother and I have split up, but are still friends and do our best for him. He's going to be my best man at my wedding this year."

Footage of the kids throwing things at the church

Terry, who also runs a car valet business, was prompted to respond to "harsh " Facebook comments.

He said: "We are not a toxic family. People always blame the parents, but we are not 'scum'. He is grounded at the moment and says he is ashamed."

Meanwhile, church warden Rob Thompson said a mother of two of the boys involved had visited his home to express her shame.

He said: "She came round with two of her sons. She said they had been punished by having their phones and computers taken away. She was remorseful and the boys looked ashamed."

The youngsters were caught on camera throwing items at the windows.

Around seven stained glass windows were damaged and the group also ripped off tiles from the roof of the boiler room and smashed up items taken from graves.

Charnel House, a small Victorian listed building in the corner of the churchyard, was also targeted.

Mr Thompson added: "There is quite a lot of damage. It might not look like a lot but about seven windows, some of them are original 12th century windows, have got holes in them where they have thrown stones.

"The tiles and the windows are going to cost an awful lot of money to repair, it is not going to be cheap.

"It is too early yet to say how much the total cost will be. We will need to get the experts in to assess the damage.

"Some windows have more than one hole. Stained glass is very expensive.

"The roof tiles to the boiler house will need to be repaired as soon as possible to stop the rain getting in."

If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information that may help police, please call 01634 792209 quoting 46/73507/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by using the online form on its website.