Villagers have come together to raise money for a shop which was targeted by armed raiders at the weekend.

At around 10.15am on Saturday a man entered a store in West End, Marden, carrying a knife and stole a till.

He fled the scene with another man who was waiting outside on a grey Yamaha X-City motorcycle.

Nobody was injured during the incident, but since the ordeal residents in Marden have raised more than £820 for the business after the "vile incident".

A fundraising page was set up for the shop, with organiser Michelle Sharp saying: "Pat, John and the young girls who work in there on a Saturday are all in our thoughts and best wishes.

"The fact that this took place on a Saturday morning, in our village is a disgrace! Pat and John have been a vital part of our village community for well over 30 years.

"The shop has been the heartbeat of the village during some difficult times. They are always there, always reliable."

Many people left messages of support for the staff, including Noreen and Paul Davison, who said: "Pat and John and all the staff, you do so much to help the village, you have all worked so hard over what has been such an awful time, for this to happen is unthinkable. Thank you for all you do.

While another resident added: "To the most kindest neighbours in the world. I am so sorry you had to go through this."

The current owners have been at the site since 1989 and are well-known in the village, even donating to Marden Primary Academy last year to help them purchase a new gate.

Inquiries are ongoing and officers have seized the knife and CCTV from the store.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/239973/21. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form.