A well-known church campaigner from Ashford has gone missing, sparking a police appeal.

Christopher Cooper was reported missing at 9am today, and it is believed he could be in the Ashford or Hythe areas.

He is 41 years old, 6ft tall and sports short brown hair, a goatee beard and glasses.

Known for dressing smartly, police believe he is wearing a waistcoat and is likely to be carrying an umbrella.

Mr Cooper has previously been covered on KentOnline, mostly for his campaigning at St Mary's Church in Ashford town centre.

Previously, his complaint to Christian authorities saw a Snowdog from a popular art trail removed from the churchyard.

Prior to this, he unsuccessfully campaigned against the removal of Victorian pews from the place of worship as part of its conversion to a multi-use arts venue.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and would ask anyone who has seen him or who knows where he is to call us.

"Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 11-0323."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford