RESIDENTS were shocked today to find travellers had set up home in their quiet village overnight.

Some time between 8pm last night and 6am today four caravans set up camp on the recreation ground behind the memorial hall in Church Street, Cliffe, near Strood.

Mark Payne, of Church Street, said he was worried his daughter's birthday party, due to take place in the hall this weekend, would be ruined.

He added: "I walk through the rec on my way to work and I saw them there early this morning, caravans plus a tipper truck. I also saw some dogs running around and a big kennel in between two of the caravans.

"I couldn't believe it as we are supposed to be holding a party there at the weekend."

Mr Payne has had hired the memorial hall to celebrate daughter Millie's third birthday on Saturday. But now they are desperately hoping the travellers will have moved on.

Mr Payne stressed: "We just don't want any trouble at the party, but the children won't be able to play outside and have fun if the travellers are still there. My wife and I are so worried it will spoil the day.

A Medway Council spokesman said: ""Council officers are due to visit the area. Tt is not a place that has been used by travellers before and one thing we must find out is who actually owns the land.

"If the land is public we will instruct our legal department to go to court and get an order to remove them."