Staff discovered the break-in on Wednesday at the chapel on Chatterley Close, Bradwell, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Windows were smashed and a brass cross used to cause damage. A fire was also started in nearby toilets.

Yellow paint taken from a storeroom was sprayed on benches and planters outside the building. Police have described it as a "shocking and disgusting crime".

'Blatant act'

Property was taken from the building but discarded nearby and police said nothing else appears to have been stolen.

Pc John Edmonson of Newcastle Police said: "It may be that the offenders have the yellow paint, which is waterproof, on their hands or clothes and I would urge members of the public to be on the look out for them.

"This was a shocking and disgusting crime which appears to be a blatant act of vandalism."

Last September, the crematorium won the top prize in its category at the Cemetery of the Year Awards.

Staff have cleared up most of the mess so services can go ahead.

Police said the attack happened between 1700 BST on Tuesday and 0815 BST on Wednesday.