By Hayley Robinson

The town's carnival committee is appealing for help from anyone with a powerful car after a vehicle used to tow the Sittingbourne Carnival Court float was stolen and burnt out.

The blue and cream 2.5 turbo diesel Land Rover was taken from outside owner Barry Aaron's home in Oast Court, Sittingbourne, sometime between 12.45am and 1am on Monday.

It was discovered hours later when Sittingbourne firefighters were called to Great Easthall Lane, Sittingbourne.

Committee members are worried that, unless someone comes forward in the next few weeks, they won't be able to use the float in the Sittingbourne Carnival on June 26.

Committee chairman Pam Griggs said: "It all depends on whether or not we can find someone in time with a suitable vehicle or if Barry's insurance comes through in time.

"It needs to have an engine size of at least 2.5 as our float is very heavy. The vehicle was in the process of being done up and had Barry's tools inside it.

"I reckon it'll cost about £10,000 to replace everything; it's such a despicable thing to do."

Mr Aaron said: "I'm really annoyed and really angry. I'd really like to carry on (towing the float) but it depends on the insurance.

"I've had a bereavement recently and nearly amputated my finger - everything just seems to be against me at the moment and I just don't know when my luck is going to change."

This year's carnival fete has been moved to a new venue so stall holders won't have to pay a fee to Swale council to trade. Sittingbourne Carnival Committee feared the fee might put some people off so are now holding it at Borden Grammar School's field, off Bell Road, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, June 12.

If you think you can help with the float or want to take part in the fete, contact Pam Griggs on 01795 475773 or email pamgriggs@talktalk.net