A WEST Devon church which was badly damaged by vandals has been blessed by the Bishop of Exeter, a year on from the attack.

The bishop blessed the repaired windows at St Michael?s Church at Brentor during a sunny evening ceremony at the tor-top chapel.

The bishop, who attended the church with his wife, Esther, spoke of the pain and hurt many people had felt at the damage to the church ? and of the good that had come out of it, through the prayers and gifts which were offered towards the renovation.

He continued to speak on the ministry of angels, as links between heaven and earth, supporters of the good and intercessors for all, before blessing the repaired window.

Rector of the parish, the Rev Ian Sykes, led the service, with the lessons read by curate the Rev Gill Still. Jennifer Venning accompanied the service on the organ ? refreshments were served afterwards at the Brentor Inn.

Mr Sykes said the service was attended by around 60 people, some from as far afield as The Lizard, Totnes and Paignton.

Mr Sykes said: ?The generosity of so many people means that the parish is now able to do further work on the church building, to secure it for another generation.?