A family from Dartford have been left disappointed after their Land Rover Defender was stolen from their family home.

The car is filled with memories for the Hilsden’s, from Darenth, having used it for holidays to Europe, Scotland and Ireland over the years.

It was taken at around lunchtime outside the family home on Friday.

Terry Hilsden uses the Land Rover for conservation work on the marshes.

The father of five said: “I asked the garage to keep it inside because they don’t make these cars anymore and I was worried it would get stolen.

“When I brought it back from its service I couldn’t park it inside like I normally do as my wife was parked there.

“I popped in for a cup of tea and got distracted doing other things.

“About an hour later, my son comes in and says ‘have you let someone drive the car?’ as he saw someone in a hoodie driving off in it.

“I jumped in the other car but the traffic was too heavy for me to catch up with him.”

Mr Hilsden uses the car for his work bird ringing – attaching a tag to birds to help identify them – and regularly takes volunteers to the marshes in the Land Rover.

He said: “Lots of people depend on me to use it and it’s frustrating that it’s gone.

“It’s part of the family, we’ve had so many happy holidays in it but I doubt we will see it again."

The landrover has a roof-tent and checker plate wings and the registration number is GF53 0TM.

Police confirmed reports of a Land Rover Defender was stolen from Gore Road, Dartford at around 12.20pm on Friday.