Youth group 'angry' after scarecrows vandalised

A display of five scarecrows have been vandalised in Rusthall, Kent

A youth group leader says members are "very upset" and "very angry" after its scarecrow display was vandalised.

Five scarecrows created by St Paul's Church Youth Council in Rusthall, Kent, were reportedly damaged by fire on Friday.

The scene showing "Doris the queen bee and her workers" was inspired by the youth group's beehive project and part of the village's second annual scarecrow trail, it said.

Group leader Angela Culley said it was "quite a tough one to explain why one should carry on caring and volunteering and supporting the community".

Kent Police said it responded to a report of criminal damage to the display at about 08:50 BST on Friday.

A hive full of honey managed by the group was also previously stolen, Ms Culley told the BBC.

According to the group, two of the scarecrows were salvaged and "tombstones" have been put in place of the destroyed models.

Some of the scarecrows were found to have been burned, the youth group leader said

Lisa Coghlan, chairman of the Rusthall Fireworks and Fete Group, said the incident was "incredibly disheartening".

She added: "It's not acceptable what's happened, it's not fair, but they are salvaging what they can, and the rest of the trail will go on."

The trail consists of 32 displays and runs until 2 November.