Branches have caused severe damage to Belchford church

St Peter and St Paul's Parish Church at Belchford in Lincolnshire had to be sealed off because of safety fears.

Gravestones were knocked over, branches were ripped off trees and windows were smashed when the mini-tornado struck on 29 September.

Churchwarden Jo Reed said: "It's a very old building and it can't withstand too much battering like that."

She added: "It's shocked so many people.

Clean-up planned

"It looks like a war zone, with all the branches off the trees. A large branch is leaning against the vestry door.

"we're not sure what damage that has done to the roof underneath."

The church has a service at least once a month and is usually open every day.

Once it has been declared safe, a clean-up operation can begin.

"People have been very keen to help but we have to hold back until the insurance company, the loss adjuster, the architect and everyone else has given us the all-clear.