Staff at a salon in Tenterden say they have been having a giggle after a tree which was stolen from outside the shop was returned with £10 and an apology note explaining it was taken as a drunken mistake.

They arrived at Keith Francis in High Street on Monday to find the sapling had been taken over the weekend.

They put up a post on Facebook asking if anybody knew where it might be but did not anticipate the response they got.

Having seen the post, the thief returned the sapling the very next day with an apology note and £10 for staff to 'enjoy a drink' explaining they had taken it after 'a heavy night'.

The anonymous note read: "Really sorry about the plant. Had a heavy night and woke up with your plant.

"I had every intention of returning it. Although your post in Tenterden chat prompted me to return it quicker.

"Enjoy a drink on me."

Salon manager Louise Moody says while she is pleased the tree has been returned, she has tried to see the funny side of it, adding: "Although we were all a bit miffed about it being stolen in the first place, we also found it rather amusing.

"It made light of a situation and we were really grateful that the person returned it.

"It's back in its rightful place sat outside the salon with its twin.

"A few customers mentioned it and have been having a giggle about it."

Unfortunately the bush outside the salon was also damaged during the drunken escapade which is yet to be fixed.

Louise added: "I think they fell into the bush because there's a big bit hanging off, we just haven't had a chance to sort that bit out yet.

"There must have been more than one person because the pot and the tree are very big and heavy.

"It must be someone who was reasonably local for it to have been returned the next day."