A dad has been left devastated after his late father’s newly-restored treasured campervan was stolen from a beauty spot in Wrotham.

Andy Barber, 53, from Otford, had left the vintage 1968 van to stretch his legs at the top of Wrotham Hill yesterday lunchtime, but when he returned 20 minutes later he discovered it had been snatched.

Andrew Barber bought the vehicle to take his wife Brenda, son Richard, 51, and Andy on holiday across Europe in the 70s.

Mr Barber, a chartered surveyor, died fours years ago from mesothelioma at the age of 83.

In his latter years he took Andy’s children, now aged 19 and 24, on outings in the van which he described as his “pride and joy”.

Divorcee Andy said: “People might say it’s just a van and you still have your memories. But it symbolised my dad and has been with us three generations.

"Nothing can replace it. I feel like I have lost a child.”

Unemployed Andy said the van was worth about £14,000.

But he added: “This is not about money. It was bought for us so we could all go on holiday together.

"It had been in the garage since my father’s death and has only just come out.

"It means so much to me and my mother.

“Whoever has taken it, please give it us back.”