A sign that welcomes people to the quaint quayside village of Oare near Faversham has been defaced by a rude word.

The village, mostly home to elderly residents, has a sign that says Welcome to Oare.

But a vandal has added an H to the front to turn it into the misspelt obscenity "hoare".

Town councillor Andy Culham (Con) has contacted Kent County Council Highways about his concerns with the sign, which has been damaged in similar ways in the past.

He said: "What you think is harmless fun has a negative impact on the town and long term financial effects particularly for the people trying to generate employment from tourism, such as the recent success of programmes like Southcliffe.

"So next time you see that sign, toe the line!"