Now you see it... now you don't.

Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey was proud of the entrance to its village with its First World War silhouette soldiers decked out in festive Santa hats and set off with a little Christmas tree.

But then thieves struck and ran off with the tree.

Villagers were furious. But just before the big day they were given a surprise early Christmas present when Stones Garden Centre in Sheerness took pity on them and donated a giant tree to fill the space.

Stones also dropped off a 15-ft tree to Curly's Farm in Bay View after it was voted Sheppey's most deserving charity on the company's Facebook page.

Farm boss Kyle Ratcliffe said: "We'd like to thank everyone for voting for us. The tree is gorgeous. We spent the weekend decorating it. And once Christmas is over it will become a tasty treat for the goat!"

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey