Vandals have gone on a wrecking spree at the centre of a much-loved Medway charity, causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

The gang, who got into Cats Protection League near Bredhurst by climbing over a fence, smashed two Peugeot vans parked in the driveway.

They are used to transport cats to the vets for operations, vaccinations and neutering.

Manager Adrian Ferne and his wife Marina live on the site in Matts Hill Road, but were away on holiday at the time of the break-in.

CCTV footage shows three hooded youths smashing windows of both vans and then removing the steering wheel, air bag and bumper of one of them.

Mr Ferne said the incident, which happened at about 8pm last Tuesday, meant that they were unable to get treatment for about seven cats.

He said: “The cats are the biggest losers in all this. It has meant their appointments have to be re-scheduled and they will have to spend longer at the centre.”

A post on the charity’s Facebook said: “We are all very upset by this disgusting act of theft.”

The charity, which has recently opened an information and housing centre at Newnham Court garden centre in Maidstone, is home to hundreds of cats awaiting adoption. Last year it re-homed a total of 755 animals.

Mr Ferne, said: “They knew what they were after. It’s disgusting. To steal from anyone is terrible but to steal from a charity is sick. We are insured, but that’s not the point.

“We have been able to get one van on the road, but the other is still being repaired. We are doing our bit and play a vital role in the community – looking after unwanted cats and preventing early pregnancies.”

The centre employs 11 staff backed up by about 30 volunteers. Last year the building was given a makeover, with upgraded pens for the cats and a new reception area. It was reopened by former CBeebies presenter Sarah-Jane Honeywell and ITV journalist Amanda Piper.