SUPPORTERS of the church on Brent Tor have been left devastated after a mission box was stolen from the iconic building on Tuesday afternoon.

A thief stole the box from St Michael de Rupe Church at around 3pm on Tuesday, causing substantial damage to the pew to which it was attached.

Church treasurer Sheila Downs, said: 'They must have come equipped with a saw because the box was attached to the back of the pew. They just took the large chunk of the pew and the box.

'All the money in that box goes to charity, but we empty it quite regularly — there could only be about £15 or £20 in there, but it is the damage to the pew that is upsetting. They are very old pews and the damage will have to be repaired quite quickly. We had a phone call from a visitor who had seen the burglar leave the church and he called the police.

'We were devastated. The church is so well looked after, everybody loves it. For someone to do this is awful.'

Sheila said she had been in contact with other churches nearby because it could be someone 'doing the rounds'.

PC Kevin Reed, the community officer for the area, said he was 'very disappointed' that vandals should strike at the church in such a way.

He said: 'This is a very remote area, but there are often dog walkers up there during daylight hours, who may have seen something.

'I would be very pleased to hear from anyone who has any information regarding this incident.'

Anyone who can help should call Tavistock Police Station on 08452 777444 and ask for PC2895 Reed.

Alternatively, information can be passed through Crimestoppers, where people providing information are treated confidentially. Call Freephone 0800 555111.