The community has come together to repair an enchanted garden after its benches were set on fire and the area vandalised.

Vandals targeted the green space next to St Botolph’s Church, in Northfleet, earlier this month.

It caused outrage amongst the community who were left disgusted by the “mindless act”.

Manager of Little Explorers Kindergarten and Nursery Theresa Callaghan said they would often take the youngsters from the preschool there to learn about nature, plant seeds and explore the outdoors.

She said: “It will be such a loss for the children. They really looked forward to going there.

“There is not a lot of opportunity around here to see nature and wildlife and to have the chance to take the time to sit and quietly observe.

“It was such a community endeavour with volunteers getting involved. It is such a loss for the community.”

But the church, in The Hill, has now revealed it has received a large donation from a good samaritan to repair the garden - although it would not disclose who it was from or the amount.

Churchwarden Wendy Waller said: “During Covid, it was a safe place for people to go, all the community use it. It is just a shame it was vandalised.

“We have had a lot of people offering to volunteer to help repair it, to give us sleepers and to make benches. We are also hoping to get the local schools involved.

“A lot of people are also donating shrubs and bushes and some in memory of people.

“It is so much more than a garden, it is really a community place. It is really nice that they are now stepping up and helping.

“It was a sad incident but it is going to be so much better when it has been repaired.”

It is hoped work will start towards the end of August and the garden will reopen in September.

Wendy also said the church will be installing CCTV in the hopes to deter future vandals and anti-social behaviour.