Vandals have forced authorities to lock Devon's oldest church for the first time in living memory.

St Michael on the Rock has suffered serious damage in a series of attacks.

Sited on a tor at Brentor, St Michael can only be reached by a 20 minute walk but this has not stopped intruders smashing furniture, letting off fire extinguishers and damaging a stained glass window.

The landmark, which is perched at 1,100 feet above sea level and is England's highest parish church, will remain locked until repairs are carried out.

'Glass smashed'

The Reverend Ian Sykes says the 13th Century church has been open for as long as anyone can remember, but now they have had to lock it.

He said: "Someone, or a group of people, entered the church, and pulled a store cupboard off the wall and let off a fire extinguisher which covered the whole building in water.

"They also smashed a gas mantle and, worst of all, they smashed a stained glass window which is dedicated to St Michael.

"In the end, this vandalism destroys that which many people enjoy and love."