by Hayley Robinson

Newly weds on honeymoon now know thieves stole equipment containing all their professional wedding photos.

Quinton couple Ben and Kelly Prangnell, who have been enjoying a 17-day tour of America, found out about the theft via Facebook towards the end of last week.

Ben then phoned his father Peter to confirm if it was true.

Mr Pragnell senior, of London Road, Sittingbourne, said: "Kelly was crying in the background. Ben was mad. They’re both devastated.

"I spoke to him the day after and he’d calmed down. I asked if it had spoiled their honeymoon but he said ‘no’, there’s nothing they can do. They’re enjoying it and they’ll deal with it when they get back."

Professional photographer Joanne Collins had taken hundreds of images of the couple’s big day which was held at Oakwood House, Maidstone, on Saturday, August 11.

She broke down in tears when Mr Prangnell’s father contacted her to ask if the photos were OK. The call was prompted after a friend saw a message on Facebook that her camera was among several items taken during a break-in at her Ruby Close home. It happened sometime over night between Sunday, August 12 and Monday, August 13.

Mr Prangnell senior appealed to the culprits to return the images before his son and his wife return tomorrow.

The 73-year-old, said: "Those responsible are the lowest of the low.

"The memory card with the photos on are of no use to them. They could return them in an envelope to either Joanne, the newspaper or the police. It’s the camera and the other equipment which is of value. If they’ve got any conscience or morals they will do that."

She broke down in tears when Mr Prangnell’s father contacted her to ask if the photos were OK. The call was prompted after a friend saw a message on Facebook that her camera was among several items taken during a break-in at her Ruby Close home. It happened sometime over night between Sunday, August 12 and Monday, August 13.

Mr Prangnell senior appealed to the culprits to return the images before his son and his wife return tomorrow.

The 73-year-old, said: "Those responsible are the lowest of the low.

"The memory card with the photos on are of no use to them. They could return them in an envelope to either Joanne, the newspaper or the police. It’s the camera and the other equipment which is of value. If they’ve got any conscience or morals they will do that."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Kent police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number XY/24404/12.