VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds of damage to a church.

Members of St Barnabas Church, in Cauldon Avenue, Bradwell, say the building has been suffering from vandalism for the last two years.

In the latest incident, a window was smashed, part of the roof ripped damaged, and guttering and drainpipes torn down.

Church warden Patricia Heath said by speaking out about the incidents, she hoped members of the public would become more vigilant.

The 55-year-old, who lives in Bradwell, said: "Over the last couple of years we've had about 14 windows smashed in total, as well as graffiti scribbled on the building.

"The latest attack has left us with a broken glass window and damaged guttering, which was new. They have also tried to chisel away at the windows to get inside the church by the looks of it, but they must have given up.

"Unfortunately money doesn't grow on trees and we will have to raise more money to pay to fix the damage.

"A lot of fund-raising has taken place at the church recently to improve the building, and when stuff like this happens it really is heartbreaking.

"It's hard to understand why someone would want to damage a church building.

"Hopefully if people are aware of the problems they might pay a bit more attention to the church next time they are driving past."

Church officials have been in touch with police over the incident on Friday night and officers are investigating.

Reverend Andrew Knight, who is also team rector for Wolstanton, said the vandalism had an impact not just on the church's coffers, but the whole community.

He said: "People come to this church for baptisms and funerals, which are very emotional events in people's lives.

"They don't want to be coming to a building which has been vandalised.

"Because of where the church is situated, on an island and very near some shops, people have a tendency to congregate around the grounds.

"The guttering will cost around £159 to repair and the window will be about £50.

"But it's not just a financial cost; it's the cost to members of the church who have to come and clear up the mess.

"We are trying to enhance the building for the good of the community, but it is difficult to do that when this kind of thing is happening. We have a very good relationship with the police and we are in talks with the local beat officers to come to a solution.

"It's not fair that the minority are causing so much upset for the majority."