The thieves stole large lead roof tiles from St John the Divine CE Church, leaving a hole which let rain in to wreck part of its classic organ.

It is thought to have happened between Friday, August 8th, and Saturday, August 9th, and the church is now facing a £10,000 bill for new organ parts and roof slates. This is the fourth time the church, in Burnley Road, has been targeted over recent years.

Vicar the Rev. Lawrence Laycock said: "It is very frustrating as every time we get it sorted out they come back and do it again, so it is very expensive and it is money the church does not have. I don't have an answer for it and we can't seem to stop it."

Churchwarden Mrs Miriam Shorrock also said that, due to previous claims by the church, the insurance company was only willing to pay 50% of the cost to repair the damage.

She added: "We hope the lead that was stolen can be replaced or substituted for a less expensive, in demand metal, but we might not be able to. All the damage still has to be fully assessed but we believe repairs to the roof and organ could come to £10,000."

She went on: "We are fighting a long battle with this sort of thing at the moment. It seems it is just one thing after another."

Police were informed of the theft and officers are investigating the incident.