If you go down to the woods today you are sure of a big surprise - because vandals have been stealing fairy doors.

The 30 colourful additions to the woodland had been placed to add a touch of magic to visiting youngsters. But now only 10 remain after yobs ran riot at Newington near Sittingbourne.

Organiser Judy Haynes announced on social media: "It is with great sadness that I report the disappointing news that the fairy door trail in Newington's community woodland of the Recreation Ground has been vandalised.

"When I walked the trail on Saturday there were between 25 and 30 magical fairy doors. Now there are fewer than 10. Many of the fairy doors were torn down, some smashed and some stolen.

"I am so sorry that this has happened. Our children have lost out on so much over the past year and this was just something small that we could do for them. It is devastating to see it taken away from them."

The project was started last month and quickly gained a momentum with families buying doors, decorating them and fixing them to trees.

Mum Judy said: "I received photos and reports from so many people who had loved the trail, both children and adults, and was really heartened by how the community came together and got behind this idea. I am sorry that this has happened. It is so sad that a small number of thoughtless people can ruin it for the majority."

She added: "Sadly some of the glued-on ones were taken including my daughter's and we used a strong adhesive. I think they targeted any they could see and left the ones they didn't see. So sad."

Almost immediately residents began to fight back.

Dad Jonny Springall said: "We have ordered 25 doors from Amazon for £8. We will be getting our children to decorate them for the fairies to move in. I think more should do the same.

"The vandals can’t rip them all down and will eventually be caught in the act and can be reported."

The doors are in community woodland off Orchard Drive.

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