THERE was a bitter blow for churchgoers at St Paul's, Yelverton, on the night of December 21/22 with the theft of a number of items.

They included candlesticks, the lectern Bible, the ceramic Nativity set, kneelers and a number of prayer books. In the same burglary a number of figures were taken from the crib visible from Plymouth Road.

Many of the items were later found on Yelverton airdrome and Golf Links Road, but much is beyond repair, especially following the heavy rain.

Police are linking this theft with that of parking meter cash boxes at St Paul's Car Park and Leg O'Mutton the same evening.

Churchwarden Kathy Howard said: 'It is hard to credit that anyone would want to do this to such a special place as St Paul's. In the short term we will be keeping the church locked other than at service times and will review the situation in the New Year.'

Rector the Rev Preb Nick Shutt added: 'Many of the items that have been destroyed were given by members of the congregation in memory of loved ones and they will be devastated at this loss.

'Even if we replace the items there will always be a sense of loss surrounding this event. At our morning service we have prayed for all those caught up in this senseless crime, including those who perpetrated it.'