Two men caught hiding almost three kilos of cocaine in Kent woodland have started jail sentences.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the large amount could be worth more than a quarter of a million pounds when sold on the street thanks to its high purity.

David Walters, 44, was jailed for seven years and 64-year-old Malcolm Baxter was sentenced to six-and-a-half years.

Walters, described as being a man of substantial means, rubbed his hands with delight on hearing the sentence.

The father-of-one, of Oast Crockers Lane, Northiam, East Sussex, and Baxter, of Rowan Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs.

Baxter also admitted possessing criminal property - almost £89,000 cash found at his home.

Ian Hope, prosecuting, said Walters and Baxter separately drove into the grounds of Lake Lodge House in Pembury Road, Tonbridge, on March 30 and met up in a fishermen's car park.

Walters took a bag out of the boot of his Mercedes car and walked into nearby woods, as Baxter waited by his Range Rover Discovery car. Walters returned empty-handed and both men drove off.

Police searched the area and found the bag containing three one kilo blocks of cocaine hidden under logs.

Walters's home was searched and mobile phones containing Thai and Dutch numbers were found. Cash totalling £88,230 was seized from Baxter's house.

The prosecutor said the wholesale value of the drug was £150,000 but when cut could realise well in excess of £250,000.

"Mr Walters is a man of substantial means," he said. "Not far off a quarter of a million pounds has gone into bank accounts in his name over a period of some years.

"Mr Baxter does not appear to be a man of significant means. He is playing his role, effectively passing drugs up the chain."

Iain Reed, for Walters, said his client had a substantial heroin habit.

"Although high up in the supply chain, it would appear to be post-importation," said Mr Reed. "They were lowly players in the great scheme of things."

Gareth Munday, for Baxter, said the father-of-two was in poor health and expected to have open heart surgery soon.

"He has come late to this in life," he said of the offences. "It was somebody else's money and he was looking after it."

Judge David Caddick said Baxter played a full part in organising, couriering and the hand-over of drugs to Walters.

"I bear in mind you are an older man," he said. "One would hope that with age, came wisdom. I accept you are an ill man."

The judge said Walters played a very necessary part in the wholesale supply chain.