PARISHIONERS at a Bolton church are counting the cost after burglars stripped it almost clean.

Everything from the mixing desk for the public address system to a brass bible lectern and individual communion cups were taken during the break-in at the United Reformed Church in Chorley Old Road.

The thieves may have been disturbed before they could take other items piled up by the church door -- including the roll of honour listing congregation members who had died serving in the two world wars.

Church leader Doris Partington said: "Fortunately the pews are stuck down or they would have taken those as well."

The burglars forced their way in through a window at the rear of the church before ransacking it, throwing open cupboards in several rooms and scattering their contents in a search for valuables.

Those involved with the church are particularly upset because it is the third time it has been broken into in the space of a week, although nothing was taken on the other occasions.

Mrs Partington said: "This is just horrendous. It isn't only the value of the things taken which is upsetting, but the fact that someone has come in and desecrated the church.

"At one time people would have respected church buildings but now it seems that it doesn't make any difference."

A police spokesman condemned those who had carried out the break-in on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

He said: "Unfortunately there are people who will attack places of worship. They must have no conscience whatsoever."

A BEN investigation in November revealed the rising tide of crime against Bolton's churches.

It showed that 57 criminal acts against churches were recorded between May and November last year alone.

Anyone with information about the break-in should contact the CID at Astley Bridge on 0161 8565740.