The Reverend Jeff Hopewell described the theft as disheartening

It is believed St Mary the Virgin in Nether Broughton was targeted over the weekend and then rain on Sunday got into the main building.

Fabrics and woodwork were affected, the electrical supply has been turned off and services, including a funeral, have had to be moved elsewhere.

The Rev Jeff Hopewell said the incident was "disheartening".

There has been a surge in raids on churches after rises in the commodity market prices of copper.

Village plea

Mr Hopewell said they were "paddling" inside the church while the damage was being inspected.

He added: "It's only been a matter of months since we finished working on the church because we had Deathwatch beetle, dry rot and furniture rot and so much work done on the roof on the interior.

"And now to find the exterior will need so much doing to it - it was really disheartening."

Church authorities have put up posters in the village urging residents to keep an eye on the church.